United eyes star of NBL24

He was one of the finds of NBL24 … until he was gone.

Former Chicago Bull Tyler Cook played just six games for the South East Melbourne Phoenix as an injury replacement for Alan Williams. While only three of those were in the regular season, they were as impactful as any new import has delivered. 

Now, the Ray Borner Trophy winner is back on NBL clubs’ radars, and when it comes to potential destinations, they don’t come much bigger than Melbourne United.

Tasked with the almighty job of replacing both Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti, one of the most dominant big men duos in recent years, United is one of several teams with Cook in their sights.

Reigning Coach of the Year Dean Vickerman got a close-up look at the 26-year-old during the NBA Summer League, where he played for the Boston Celtics.

“He was really solid and Ross McMains’ (former Melbourne United assistant coach) on the coaching staff at Boston and I had a quick chat with him about what he’s (Cook) like throughout the week … he had positive things to say,” Vickerman told NBL Media’s Pete Hooley.

“He’s strong, looked like he switched really well and he’s an above-the-rim athlete.”

Cook averaged an impressive 21 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game during last year’s Blitz, departing once Williams had returned from injury.

He then spent the rest of his season with Club Joventut Badalona in Spain.

More recently, the 203-centimetre big has put up 7.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists a game at the Summer League in Las Vegas, logging 16 minutes per appearance.

Where will he end up in NBL25?