On ya Dave, welcome back for another year.

With Kickert retiring he'll be the oldest player in the comp.

Good signing, similar to Wagstaff in they're both veterans with something to offer.

Barlow's got something to offer not sure about Wagstaff though.

Gee, surely there is a young player somewhere that play that role?

Old guys hanging on just reflects the lack of initiative displayed by the clubs. Get off your arses and give some younger guys a go.

Only eight NBL teams based in Aus, precious few opportunities for young players trying to establish a professional career.

Lazy and short sighted by United.

I'm not aware of any young player who's won 5 championships and has 15 years worth of international experience, and brings the associated nous and professionalism to training every day.

Only eight NBL teams based in Aus

Great signing. Remember Barlows breakout game when Barlow was playing for the Melbourne Tigers?

I reckon Barlow will slow down this year. Probably play less of role. Good leader for the up and coming players.

Wagstaff is 35, the Captain, played 21 minutes for 7.2pts, 4rbs, and 1.5ats.
Barlow gave 15.5/ 5.1/ 2.7 /1.2. He'll be 38 and is injury prone.

But sure, he's got so much more to offer. ROFL

If ever there was a case for "Should have Retired Gracefully after winning a Ring" this is it.

"Old guys hanging on just reflects the lack of initiative displayed by the clubs. Get off your arses and give some younger guys a go.
"

Crown for dumbest comment goes to ^^

I mean, that's like saying "yeah, your old washing machine works and works very well. But buy a new one. Show some initiative! The new one may not even do the job as well. But do it!"

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"Only eight NBL teams based in Aus, precious few opportunities for young players trying to establish a professional career."

The NBL isn't meant to be a lifeline for players to play because they want to play. it's meant to be Australia's premier basketball league. If those players aren't good enough, then they shouldn't be in the league. If some young kid can't beat Barlow out to a position, that sounds more like a THEM problem.

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For me this is an obvious signing to make. Barlow consistently gives the team a three point threat and a long, surprisingly still athletic presence. Why trade for some kid that could turn into an absolute dud (as most kids do tend to do).

Dont worry your little socks Looking Forward, some kid will be signed to a DP position!

Keep in the mind that the likely only reason Barlow is getting another contract is because Jack White will probably miss next season due to injury. With Peatling coming onto the full roster next season too, Barlow will be squeezed out this time next year.

Yes 9 clubs based in Australia.
Do you propose an age limit since you don't like older players.

White won't miss entire season

Remember Barlows breakout game when Barlow was playing for the Melbourne Tigers?

Lol at the salty Perth comment above

I think the reference to Wagstaff being cooked was based on the GF, where Perth was decimated by injury and could've used a big Performance or 2 from their bench.

Wagstaff did nothing, and shot 36% from the field this season, his lowest since 2010.

But I reckon both of them still have something to add and would mostly be welcomed back by their respective fanbases

I would actually argue that player's like Barlow help the development of younger forwards. Someone like Peatling was very raw, enthusiastic and competitive but also come finals time found it hard to consistently defend the block and nail his open looks. Having an ageing Barlow coming off the bench would have allowed Peatling to retain his confidence without getting smashed inside.

That’s all without considering the day to day training assistance provided by a experienced, successful veteran.

Great to see him back at United.

Re White recovery

I thought could be as low as 7 months sometimes. Damian Martin came back quickly from an Achilles- was that the exact same injury?

David Barlow, aging like a fine wine.