Dash Daniels returns home for United’s Bendigo clash

Melbourne United is bringing elite basketball to Bendigo this week, and one of the city’s own will be centre stage.

Dash Daniels, a rising guard from Bendigo and younger brother of NBA star Dyson Daniels, will suit up for United tonight as they face the Cairns Taipans in a high-stakes Ignite Cup clash at Bendigo Stadium.

The match marks the first NBL game played in Bendigo in five years, and the first ever home Ignite Cup fixture for United. It also gives local fans the chance to see Dash compete on his home court for the first time in his professional career.

United head coach Dean Vickerman said Daniels’ local connection adds even more excitement to the event.

“Obviously there’s the Daniels factor with Dash going home. That just puts that extra little incentive to go and play really well up there,” Vickerman said.

“There’s a chance for us with two games to go,” he added.

“I’ve really pushed the message to the boys to have a real crack.”

United comes into the game with confidence, having defeated Cairns twice this season by margins of 35 and 27 points. They’ll face Brisbane in Bendigo on Sunday 21 January, with both games crucial to securing a top-two finish and a place in the Ignite Cup final.

Tonight’s game tips off at 7.30pm, and tickets are still available – though only limited seats remained earlier this week.

🎟 Tickets: premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=UNITED26

To help make the most of the trip, Melbourne United fans can also enjoy 10% off local attractions including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways and Joss House Temple, using the code MELBUTD_10%.

Meanwhile, United’s Junior and Academy Camps begin Thursday and run across various Victorian locations until 23 January, offering school holiday activities for players aged 6 to 18.

With top-tier basketball, family fun and a local star on show, it’s shaping up to be a special night for Bendigo.