United’s homecoming star answers the big question

Nine games into his NBL homecoming, Joe Ingles has answered any questions about how his body would cope with regular minutes again, and he likes what Melbourne United are building.

The 39-year-old’s place in Australian basketball history was secure long before he returned. From his start at the South Dragons, he went on to play 12 NBA seasons and represent the Boomers at five Olympics, winning bronze along the way.

Even so, he had played just 299 minutes across 48 appearances in his final two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before coming home.

So far, the answer has been emphatic. Ingles is averaging 24.9 minutes off the bench for Melbourne, producing 10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 60 per cent from the field and 43 per cent from deep.

“Maybe unlike a lot of people I was pretty confident in what I was going to be able to bring,” Ingles said.

“I’ve never had to rely on certain things in the game that can affect the game but the last couple of years in Minnesota was tough not playing.

“Finchy (Chris Finch) and the team was awesome and it was a successful group, but I missed playing and that part of it a lot.

“I didn’t come in here having goals of what I wanted to do, I hadn’t played for two years so I had to work my way back into game shape.

“I worked my arse off and wanted to put my best foot forward in terms of what I can be, and then the rest of it is up to the coaching staff. I feel lucky to be part of this group and I’m really enjoying it.

“I’m enjoying competing and yelling at him (Jacob Chance) at practice when he’s reffing and that’s the stuff you miss when you’re not playing.

“But I feel really good and I look forward to a couple of days off thanks to coach and we’ll get ready to go again this weekend.”

As much as he’s enjoying the basketball, the bigger reward for Ingles has been coming home with wife Renae and their three children. After stints in Spain, Utah, Milwaukee, Orlando and Minnesota, the family is settling into the city they want to keep calling home, and that has made him content with the decision already.

“For us the big thing is being back home as a family in Melbourne around family and friends. I get to play with my kids sitting three or four rows behind the bench which is pretty special,” Ingles said.

“I’m obviously very lucky to have a supportive wife who follows me around the world and has my back in all those decisions you’re trying to make, and regardless of the basketball, the family side of coming home was big.

“We wanted to do that for our kids, and the basketball is the cherry on top, and I get to play for an awesome club, an awesome coach and with an awesome group of guys.

“Then to be able to go to my kid’s sports on the weekend and pick them up from the school, when we’re not practicing too late, has been awesome and that’s the part that I’ve obviously really enjoyed coming back here.”