The COE pipeline delivers again: Australian rising star Jai Fa'ale joins United for NBL27

18-year-old rising star and NBL1 East All-Star Five recipient Jai Fa'ale has been announced as the fourth development player to sign with Melbourne United for the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

The deal announced on Friday sees an Australian junior representative, who helped his team win gold at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup while claiming All-Star Five honours for the tournament, join the club.

Fa'ale adds scoring potential to a Melbourne United team looking to win a championship, with the young guard standing out as the go-to option for the Centre of Excellence.

Averaging 21.2 points per game as the COE finished fifth with a record of 13-7, the Victorian was responsible for four of the top five scoring performances for his team on the season.

His 34-point and six-triple outing against the Sutherland Sharks in June was one of his more memorable nights, something he'll look to capture in the NBL as he gets to learn from the likes of Chris Goulding and Cole Anthony.

"When this option came up, it was clear that it was the best thing for my development as a basketball player," Fa'ale said.

"I'm going to be a sponge, take in all the information and lessons I can, and help the team across the course of the season.

"On top of it all, I want to help this team win a championship.

"That's the number one goal at United and I'm excited to be a part of it."

Fa'ale will join the team for Melbourne United's next matchup against the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown XXXIII, as they look to rebound from a narrow loss against the Adelaide 36ers in their season-opener.