Melbourne United is eyeing Ognjen Stojakovic, a highly-rated NBA coach, to replace Dean Vickerman as head coach. ## What happened?
Melbourne United's search for a new head coach has taken them to the NBA, with Stojakovic emerging as a top candidate. Stojakovic has spent over a decade with the Denver Nuggets organization, steadily climbing through the ranks. He has built a strong reputation for his player development work and basketball IQ.
Why it matters for Melbourne United
Securing a coach of Stojakovic's calibre would represent a significant statement of intent for Melbourne United. The club has been linked to several high-profile candidates, including former Paris Basketball head coach Francesco Tabellini. However, Stojakovic's strong ties to Australian basketball and the NBL make him an attractive option.
What comes next?
Melbourne United will be eager to finalize their coaching appointment soon, with several rival NBL clubs already well advanced in their roster planning. The club's recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 2W-0D-3L in their last 5 games. Their last result was a 114-104 loss to the Illawarra Hawks on 2025-03-23.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-03-23 | Illawarra Hawks | 114-104 Loss |
Melbourne United's determination to cast its net globally in search of the right coach is evident. With Stojakovic's influence on Nikola Jokic's development earning him widespread respect throughout the NBA, he could be the perfect fit for the club. As the search for a new head coach continues, Melbourne United fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of their new coach.