United’s relentless push for "perfection"

Friday, October 17, 2025

Despite Melbourne United’s perfect start, Tyson Walker says the team is chasing improvement, not records, as they strive for perfection each game.

Tipped by his coach to become an NBL force this season, Melbourne United import Tyson Walker isn't satisfied despite a 5-0 start to his first international posting.

The New York guard, 25, is averaging nearly 14 points and four assists a game for United after graduating from the NBA's G League.

United, fresh off crunching Cairns on Sunday, travel to Brisbane on Friday before hosting the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday.

"We don't think about the wins, we think about the stuff we did wrong and playing the perfect game and we haven't done that yet," Michigan State college star Walker said on Wednesday.

United coach Dean Vickerman has been impressed by Walker's smooth start.

"You always wonder how long people will take to adjust," he said.

"But he's been pretty unfazed by everything he's encountered so far.

"How far he can go in leading this team and having a significant impact ... it's going to be fun to watch."

The Bullets (1-4), who haven't won since the first round, play in Perth on Wednesday night before returning to host last year's runner-up.

They cut ties with import guard Javon Freeman-Liberty last week, the American granted a release to return home "to continue his recovery and focus on his mental wellbeing" after suffering a hamstring injury.

Lamar Patterson, a two-time All-NBL player in previous stints at the club, has been activated as the Bullets' nominated injury replacement.

"There's till talent on that roster. Lamar Patterson's been one of the best players in this league through time," Vickerman said of the Bullets.

That talent was on show on Friday night, as Brisbane recorded a massive upset against Brisbane, calling on the likes of Taine Murray, Tristan Devers and Alex Ducas, alongside their stars Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison.

"Teams in that situation, there's a real pull together so we won't take them lightly at all," Vickerman added.

Brisbane hosts Melbourne on Friday night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, live on ESPN from 9.30pm AEDT.