American import Marcus Lee has set his sights on "achieving great things" with Melbourne United after confirming his return to the NBL powerhouse on a one-year deal.
It comes as the New Zealand Breakers finalise their roster by signing Matt Mooney, an American shooting guard with NBA experience.
Lee helped plot Melbourne's downfall last season with the title-winning Tasmania JackJumpers, but missed the climax of the Championship Series after hurting his knee during game three.
The 29-year-old, 210cm centre rejoins United after getting his first taste of Australian basketball in a short stint with the club during the second half of the 2022-23 season.
"This is the place where I've felt most comfortable and most at home," Lee said.
"I only spent half a season here but I've always had that urge to come back and achieve great things with United.
"This off-season, I knew I wanted to come back and contend for the play-offs with Melbourne.
"I've always felt so much love from this city, even last season.
"The organisation and the fans have always welcomed me with open arms so I can’t wait to get back."
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman targeted Lee as a defensive anchor for his team.
"Rim protection and rebounding were both priorities and Marcus has been elite in those categories throughout his time in the league," Vickerman said.
"There's some elite scoring centres in the league this season so his ability to be able to sit down and guard those key guys is crucial.
"Then there's his mobility. He's a great rim runner, he can roll really well out of the on-ball, his vertical threat is going to open up opportunities for our shooters around the floor."
Vickerman expects Lee to slot seamlessly back into Melbourne's line-up.
"When he left the club we talked through about how much we valued him as a person and as an asset on the court," Vickerman said.
"We made it clear that if there was a possibility down the road we wanted him to be a United player again.
"He was an amazing culture fit. We brought him in mid-season and he was immediately a 'glue' import which is quite rare."
Lee's return was confirmed on Friday, just days after Melbourne released Luke Travers from his contract to allow the swingman to pursue NBA opportunities.
Elsewhere, new Breakers coach Petteri Koponen has identified Mooney as the man to partner star countryman Parker Jackson-Cartwright in the back court for the 2024/25 season.
Mooney has made five NBA appearances between stints at the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks and most recently turned out for Aquila Basket Trento in Italy's top-level league, Lega Basket Serie A.
The 188cm-tall Mooney has signed a one-year deal and is expected to join the Breakers for pre-season from August 12.
