Diamond Valley big joins United for 2024

GEELONG United Men’s head coach and former Diamond Valley Eagles head coach Grant Wallace has delved into his connections at his previous club to make the club’s first new signing ahead of the 2024 season.

Former Eagle and Kenyan international Desmond Owili will suit up for United next season under his old coach, with the 35-year-old veteran adding an abundance of height and strength to Wallace’s frontcourt.

“Des is a key addition to our roster for 2024 and provides a key we were missing this past season,” Wallace said.

“His ability to run the floor, rebound, defend opposition bigs and switch out to defend the guards is crucial.

“He finishes well around the basket band passes well out of the post. He competes every minute he is on the floor, in training and games, and he will make us better.

“Above all else he is a sensational person and teammate and I know he will quickly become a favourite of our home crowds in Season 2024.”

An experienced Centre at the NBL1 South level, Owili averaged 6.8 points, 3.6 rebounds on 51.2 per cent shooting from the field for Diamond Valley last season.

A representative of his home country Kenya at FIBA’s AfroBasket 2021, Owili bounced back to being a regular rotation member of the Eagles in 2023, after suffering a foot injury that kept the 6’9″ big man out of action for most of 2022.

Boasting six years of NBL1/SEABL experience at Diamond Valley and previously at Kilsyth, Owili said he was excited to make the transition to Geelong.

“I’m excited to move down to Geelong, it’s a big club and it’s one of the best clubs in this competition.

“I love playing in Geelong, it’s a great environment, despite playing against it.

“I love the people down in Geelong and I’m looking forward to joining Geelong United for next season.”

Owili says he enjoys Wallace’s coaching style, one that allows him to play with more freedom on the court.

“When Grant coaches me specifically, he gives me that extra freedom, it allows me to not hold back.

“I feel like his style allows me to get the best out of me and I can’t wait to show Geelong what I’m capable of.”

Owili joins United skipper Demarcus Gatlin, prolific forward George Blagojevic, and returning forward Owen Odigie as rostered players to date.

His first chance to play in front of the home crowd arrives on April 12 when United hosts the Bendigo Braves.