Milestone man’s focus on win

It’s a milestone just 30 players in the history of the NBL have achieved, but Chris Goulding’s focus is on one thing ahead of game 450 – beating Adelaide.

The 35-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down and given his current form, becoming one of just 13 men to surpass 500 games is very much on the cards.

But for now, he’s playing down the milestone.

“I found out last week and, to be honest, and I don’t know why, but it’s a weird number, doesn’t really seem like a milestone. (It’s) not something I’m super keen on celebrating or making a big deal out of,” Goulding told Code Sports. 

While Goulding himself is playing down his achievements, he’s had an incredible career so far.

He’s averaged 14.4 points a game, an impressive feat across close to 20 seasons in the league, and is arguably playing some of the best basketball of his career. Last year, he made the All-NBL First Team for the first time since 2016.

Like a fine wine, he’s getting better with age. 

“He’s always been a really enjoyable teammate to have,” Matthew Dellavedova said.

“That first year coming back to United and seeing him as a leader, in a different role than what he plays with the Boomers was really cool to see.

“He does a really great job of not only leading the playing group, but leading the club.”

Already a three-time NBL champion, Goulding is firmly focused on helping his team back to the promised land. 

United fell one short last year against the Tasmania JackJumpers, but have the talent and the experience to win it again.

But first, they’ll have to overcome an in-form Adelaide 36ers team on Sunday. 

“We have shown, when we defend and we’re locked in, talking to each other and letting the ball move at the other end, how good we can be in stretches, and we have to see that more often and try to extend it for 40 minutes,” Goulding added. 

Melbourne hosts Adelaide on Sunday at John Cain Arena, live & free on ESPN via Kayo, 10 Bold and 10 Play. 

Read more here >> Chris Goulding, Melbourne United sharpshooter, set for NBL game 450 but wary of 36ers