Cover image: Mitchell Barlow
There’s a distinct Melbourne United flavour at the Sandringham Sabres this season. NBL24 stars Shea Ili and Tanner Krebs and development players Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens are turning out under player/coach David Barlow and assistant coach Rhys Carter in NBL1 South, and the connection formed between the quintet during this past NBL season is palpable.
United suffered a heartbreaking Championship Series defeat to the Tasmania JackJumpers this past season, and Sandringham’s Melbourne contingent is chasing NBL redemption through the pulling together of a strong NBL1 campaign.
Blogg captained the Sabres last season while Ili was named the conference’s MVP and Best Defensive Player, but Krebs is a new addition to the side having played for NBL1 North side Gold Coast prior to his move to United.
“A big reason why I wanted to play at Sandy was the strong connection with United,” Krebs told MU Media.
“Having Barlow and Rhys there, as well as ‘Shili’ (Shea Ili) and the young fellas, I just wanted to get some extra reps in the United system and hope that could translate into the upcoming seasons.
“Winning games is priority number one with this Sandy team, but I’m also looking at improving my game in the areas the coaching staff have identified with me.”
Krebs is currently averaging 22.4 points and 7.6 assists per game with Sandringham this season.
The 3-4 Sabres next clash with the Melbourne Tigers on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00pm AEST via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.
For the full story head to >> Krebs honing his craft ahead of NBL25.
