Joe Ingles reports strong NBL start and 1,500 days without alcohol

Joe Ingles has described feeling physically strong at 39 as he settles into Melbourne United, with the former NBA player averaging 11 points, four assists and four rebounds across seven games. In an interview published by the Guardian on Tuesday, he also discussed passing 1,500 days without alcohol.

Watch the highlights:

Ingles told the newspaper he stopped drinking during rehabilitation from a serious knee injury in 2022. What began as part of his recovery became a lasting choice. He said he had once joked about celebrating his return with Milwaukee teammates over a beer, but no longer wanted one when that moment arrived.

The Guardian reported that Ingles, his wife Renae and their three children are adjusting to life in Melbourne. His final five NBA seasons involved four teams. Although treatment delayed the interview by a day, he said he felt good physically.

United announced Ingles' two-year contract in May, bringing him back to the city where his professional career began with the South Dragons in 2006. He won an NBL championship with that team in 2009. The club's signing announcement credited him with 810 NBA appearances across 12 seasons, alongside a career that also included a EuroLeague title and domestic league and cup successes in Spain and Israel.

At the time of his signing, Ingles said the chance to reconnect with family, friends and the local community was an important part of the move. He also emphasised that his basketball ambitions centred on helping the team win, providing leadership and contributing to the group, rather than adding individual achievements. He identified United's established culture and professional standards as reasons for joining.

His arrival also reunited him with fellow Australia international Chris Goulding. In United's announcement, Goulding highlighted Ingles' judgement on court, shooting and leadership as qualities that would help his new teammates. The pair had played together during Australia's Olympic bronze-medal campaign in Tokyo, part of an international career in which Ingles has appeared at five Olympics and four FIBA World Cups.