Hukporti dazzles in return to full-contact practice

Written by Melbourne United Media 

After close to nine months following his devastating achilles tear in the 2022 NBL Blitz, Ariel Hukporti is back and better than ever.

Over the past few weeks, Melbourne United’s Next Star has been ramping up his rehab, culminating in a spectacular showing on Wednesday morning at Hoop City Cheltenham.

Hukporti, alongside teammates Zac Triplett, Brad Newley and Campbell Blogg, as well as a collection of NBL1 players, faced off in the big-man’s first taste of competitive, full-contact play since the injury.

In front of MU coaching staff, ‘Big A’ shined, quickly showcasing his elite defence and athleticism, as well as a developing jumpshot.

High flying dunks and skyscraping blocks combined with swift and stout defensive movement had Head Coach Dean Vickerman coming away from the session full of anticipation to see Hukporti’s return in NBL24.

“In his workouts, he’s playing fearlessly… there’s nothing holding him back,” Vickerman told MU Media.

“That’s a big part about coming back from injury, just being able to trust your body enough to do everything without fear and I think he did that. He tried to dunk everything he possibly could, he dove on loose balls, he was fearless.”

Having been alongside Hukporti for his entire injury recovery, Vickerman said seeing the big man back on the court is everything he and the rest of his staff could have hoped for.

“There’s always the hope that after an injury like he had that you’ll be able to get back to a level that’s the same or better than before.

“He’s done all the work to get himself to where he is now, and now he’s telling me ‘I’m jumping way higher and I feel way stronger than ever.’

“That’s something that makes you smile.”

If you want to lock in your seat to see Hukporti’s triumphant return to John Cain Arena, become a Melbourne United member today!

NBL24 Memberships are ON SALE NOW. As well as saving up to 40% on the price of walk-up tickets, members will receive exclusive merch discounts, access to Melbourne United Super Clinics, priority access to John Cain Arena for home games, access to member functions, post-game meet and greets and much more.