Melbourne United are just weeks away from beginning their quest to win a first NBL championship since 2021, but they won't experience much victory if wing Luke Travers isn't there.
That's according to forward Josh Oduro after the 25-year-old made a statement start to his renewed Melbourne tenure by snaring the MVP award at the league's preseason tournament.
Travers produced a standout Blitz tournament at which he posted 23 points and nine boards against Perth before racking up a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) against Illawarra on Sunday to help Melbourne claim the Loggins-Bruton Cup.
It comes ahead of his NBL return when United play last year's grand finalists Adelaide on September 19.
The wing left United in 2024 to pursue a contract with NBA side Cleveland Cavaliers, although he ended up splitting his time with the Cavs and their G League affiliate instead.
Travers will hope that a standout season can propel him back into the big American League.
"He's going to be very important (for United) ... I don't think we win a ton of games without him," Oduro told AAP.
"I played against him in the last couple of years actually, in the G League ... He's really good at basketball, and so I'll be excited to play with him throughout the year."
Melbourne have already been tipped as a championship contender after recruiting high-profile Australian Joe Ingles and former NBA point guard Cole Anthony in the off-season.
Despite the duo missing the Blitz because of injuries, United expects them to be fit and firing come game one.
But the club will have to hope their Cairns recruit Sam Waardenburg's injury isn't serious after he landed awkwardly on his ankle and didn't return on Sunday.
It would be another setback for the 27-year-old after he missed a large chunk of last campaign following right ankle surgery before hurting his left ankle.
Oduro himself is one of the key signings for Melbourne, having suited up for three games with the New Orleans Pelicans last season but spending the majority of his time with their G League affiliate.
The forward already looks to have settled nicely, as he registered 22 points and nine rebounds on Sunday.
"The number one goal for me is winning a championship here, and I would love to go back into the league (NBA)," Oduro said.
"It's important to continue to do what I can to make sure I'm getting better as a player."
