Ili taking his game to another level

Coming into Melbourne United’s upcoming campaign, there isn’t much Shea Ili is yet to achieve in the NBL.

A two-time NBL Champion and winner of the league’s Best Sixth Man, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player awards, Ili has stamped his claim as one of the league’s best players.

Heading into NBL25 however, the dynamic Kiwi is operating at an even higher level according to Head Coach, Dean Vickerman.

Speaking on The Extra Pass podcast, Vickerman touched on how dominant Ili has looked playing in the offseason with the New Zealand Tall Blacks and Sandringham Sabres.

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“Shea had an amazing Olympic Qualifier for the Tall Blacks,” he said.

“The amazing part of it is just the way he scores so well internationally on that Tall Blacks roster when he’s really required to do a little bit more.

“He obviously did that with Sandy in the offseason, but I think he’s just added (skills). If you cut him off the first time, there’s something more that he wants to come back at you with, he can hold his dribble a little longer and make an extra move to go and score a bit more.

“His defence in practice has been at a really high level, he’s pushing himself to get to the highest level he can.”

With the Tall Blacks, Ili battled against NBA stars like Luka Doncic and Ivica Zubac, averaging 23 points per game and shooting the ball at 80% from downtown.

United fans will be able to see Ili back in United colours next Tuesday when Melbourne host the Brisbane Bullets at Casey Basketball Stadium in a preseason matchup. Limited tickets remain, so get in quick to secure your spot.

The only way to make sure you don’t miss a second of United basketball during NBL25 is by securing a ticket today, or by standing United with us and becoming a member.

Multiple Full Season Memberships categories have already sold out. Limited Full Season memberships remain available, while our 3 & 5 Game Memberships have just gone on sale but are also selling fast. To find out more about our Membership options, click here.