Anstey steps down as coach of Melbourne United

MELBOURNE (NBL) - Former Australia international Chris Anstey has stepped down as coach of Melbourne United following their season-opening 89-61 thrashing at home by Cairns Taipans.

Assistant Darryl McDonald has taken the reins on an interim basis.

On Monday, Melbourne released a statement in which Anstey explained his decision.

"It's not about me being a coach," said Anstey, who had a long and successful playing career. "It's about the club and doing what is best for the club.

"The message wasn't getting through and there needs to be a shake-up.

"The group needs a new voice and there's a bigger picture that needs to be looked at.

"The first thing is always to make sure the club has the best possible chance of success.

"There have been little signs over the past few weeks that it's not quite right and we haven't clicked.

"This team has been built to compete for championships straight away and the fans, sponsors and members need to see that happening.

"There can be no honeymoon period where we have teething problems. We need to make sure this works."

Melbourne entered the season with high hopes after the signing of American Jordan McRae, former Boomers David Barlow and Daniel Kickert, as well as ex-Tiger Daryl Corletto and guard Stephen Dennis.

Already on the books was another Boomer in Mark Worthington, as well as Nate Tomlinson, Lucas Walker, Auryn Macmillan and Owen Odigie.

There was a significant change to Melbourne even before the season.

The club decided to alter its name from Melbourne Tigers to Melbourne United.

Melbourne has a rich history in Australian basketball with NBL titles in 1993, 1997, 2006 and 2008.

Anstey, Andrew Gaze and Mark Bradtke were Australia Boomers to have donned the Tigers shirt.

Gaze was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2013.

Another famous player to suit up for Melbourne was McDonald, the NBL's Sixth Man of the Year in 2004.

FIBA