BREAKING: United sign NBA big man as first import

Melbourne United announced on Tuesday the signing of their first import, Josh Oduro, for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

The 206-centimetre US big man spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-way contract in the NBA, ultimately suiting up for three games, including one start.

Oduro played the majority of the past two campaigns with New Orleans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, where he averaged 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 combined blocks and steals across 87 games.

Before turning pro, Oduro played five years of hoops in the NCAA, including four at George Mason and one at Providence.

At the former, Oduro ranks sixth all-time in blocked shots and offensive rebounds, and was twice named to the Atlantic 10 Conference First Team.

United Head Coach Jacob Chance believes the versatile Oduro will thrive playing alongside the rest of the team’s front-court pieces.

“Looking at the roster we’ve put together, positional versatility and the ability for our guys to complement each other was high on the priority list,” Chance said.

“Josh is someone that makes everyone better around him.

“He’s a high IQ big who can pass, defend at the rim and out on the perimeter, and score from multiple areas on the floor.

“More importantly, he’s a great person.

“He’s motivated to showcase what he can do in our league, and has already shown great buy-in of our culture and values.

“I think when our fans see how hard he works on every possession, he’s going to quickly become very popular inside John Cain Arena.”

Oduro joins a United roster that features Joe Ingles, Luke Travers, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Sam Waardenburg, Fabijan Krslovic, Sean Macdonald, Malith Machar, Jensen Bradtke and Christian D’Angelo.

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