Every game of the 2020-21 NBL season is LIVE, FREE and in HD via SBS On Demand, with select games also live on SBS VICELAND.
The 196cm-tall 24-year-old from Toyama, Japan has quickly become an impact player off the bench for United and looks like a shrewd signing from coach Dean Vickerman.
After two seasons playing in Japan, as well as a season playing for Texas Defenders in the NBA development competition, the G League, Baba joined United with hopes of taking his game to the next level.
The young wing boasts lighting pace and impressive hops and has injected plenty of energy at both ends during his cameo performances for Melbourne so far.
Baba delivered his breakout performance against the Perth Wildcats in round four, posting 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
For coach Vickerman, it was his defensive work which really stood out.
“Yudai was such a massive factor in the second half, slowing Bryce down a little bit by making everything as difficult as possible,” Vickerman said.
It was amazing with the defence he was playing at one end that he was still able to knock in some mid-range jumpers and be aggressive at the rim at the other end.
“It was a pretty complete game from him.”
Baba’s all-action style has won him plenty of fans and is sure to earn him plenty of minutes on the court.
“I love the way he exhausts every piece of petrol in the tank,” Vickerman said.
“Similar to Shea (Ili), the effort, intensity and relentlessness about the way they play defence is something that I enjoy watching.”
The Japan international will be looking to continue his impressive run of performances on Saturday afternoon when United host a struggling Cairns Taipans outfit in Bendigo.
United have had a flawless start to the season with six wins from their six matches and sit on the top of the NBL ladder going into round five.
The Taipans, meanwhile, have done it tough so far this campaign with only two victories to their name in eight matches.
However, Baba may have his work cut out if he is marked up against Cairns star import Cam Oliver who has continued to perform despite his team’s struggles, while Taipans point guard Scotty Machado is also playing great basketball.
Expect Vickerman to give his energetic Japanese import plenty more opportunities to impress this season as he settles into life in the NBL.
Catch all the action on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand as Melbourne United host the Cairns Taipans this Saturday from 5.30 pm (AEDT) LIVE, FREE and in HD.
