Two-time Olympian David Barlow has called time on a decorated basketball career, changing roles at Melbourne United to join the NBL club's coaching staff.
Barlow represented the Australian Boomers at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, as well as three FIBA World Cups.
The 38-year-old was also part of five NBL championship teams as a sharp-shooting forward, including titles with United in 2018 and 2021.
"I looked at how I could help United in our continued search for championships and the club and I came to the decision that it was probably as a member of the coaching staff," Barlow said.
"All the experiences I've been lucky enough to have as a player, combined with my passion for basketball strategy, have enabled me to be a valuable teacher within the playing group over the last couple of years.
"That has put me in good stead to move into the coaching staff and remain a teacher in a different capacity."
Barlow first set foot on a national league court with the Sydney Kings in 2003 and played several seasons in Europe before returning home to join United in 2014.
"He's the fabric of this club," United head coach Dean Vickerman said.
"When an outside person thinks of Melbourne United, they think of Chris Goulding and David Barlow.
"His numbers will never indicate the value he's had at this club and will have in the future.
"Helping the team get to the playoffs and winning championships are the statistics that really matter."
Barlow set the NBL record for the most shots made in a game without missing when he hit 37 points on 14-of-14 shooting, including eight successful three-pointers and one free-throw, in 2007.
