Former Throwdown rival builds up Hukporti hype

As Ariel Hukporti’s return to an NBL court draws nearer, the hype surrounding the Togolese-German Next Star continues to build.

While it has been his own coaches and league analysts in the past that have been gushing over the seven-footer, now a former Throwdown rival coach has chimed in.

Former South East Melbourne Phoenix Head Coach Simon Mitchell recently spoke on The Marketplace about the big-man, previewing what he believes could be a huge season following the injury to Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

“(Lual-Acuil Jr’s injury) is a huge loss but geez, that opens up a great opportunity for Ariel Hukporti who towards the back-end of his first year at Melbourne United was becoming quite the weapon and quite the thing you had to plan around,” Mitchell said.

“His ability to catch the ball and finish above the rim, his shot blocking ability, his robust athleticism… unbelievable upside for that kid.”

Mitchell faced off with Hukporti four times in his rookie season, with Big A coming out on top in three of the outings.

The then teenager put up 6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just 15 minutes per game across his four battles with the Phoenix, and will look to produce more highlight plays when the two sides square off to open the NBL24 season on September 28.

Tickets to the game are available here, while those looking to secure their seat to every United home game need to get in quick with memberships selling out fast!