United's under-the-radar recruit is making his mark

25 Sep 2026

Cole Anthony grabbed the headlines, but captain and coach say Josh Oduro is quietly becoming one of Melbourne's most important signings.

By

NBL.com.au

Cole Anthony may be the headline act among NBL27's new imports, but another Melbourne United recruit is quietly making a strong early case as one of the signings of the season.

At 25, and only two years out of college, Josh Oduro brings NBA experience from a stint with New Orleans last season, along with plenty of room to grow.

He had 21 points and 8 rebounds in Thursday night's win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix, backing up an impressive pre-season in his first month with the club.

United coach Jacob Chance wasn't surprised by the performance.

"I think I said it in here last week … like he's [Oduro] a really good player, like really, really good basketball player," Chance said.

"He's smart, he's tough. He's going to be so important."

Oduro's efficiency stood out as much as his output, with the big man shooting 10 of 13 from the field.

Chance says Oduro's pairing with Fabijan Krslovic gives United a rare luxury in the frontcourt.

"[They are] two really high IQ bigs that are physical and can protect the rim and do different things defensively," he said.

Skipper Chris Goulding has been just as impressed by what Oduro brings.

"He's got a motor. He gets after it. And he's been a sponge," Goulding said.

"He does it to the best of his ability every single possession. So super impressed with him so far.

"He's got a lot more room to grow, but glad he's getting the reward for the type of person he is, the type of teammate he is. Because he's been first class."

Fans held their breath when Anthony went down awkwardly in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix.

But he returned to the court soon after, with Chance confirming the star import was fine.

"Yeah, not concerned. Just a knee on knee, so sore," Chance said.

"He'll [Anthony] be a little sore tomorrow, but we got a couple of days here before we get back on the floor and get ready for Tassie."

Fresh from a 25-point win over their crosstown rivals, United travel to Tasmania to take on the JackJumpers next Thursday.