Big A’s play bringing in NBA attention

Written by Melbourne United Media.

With so much attention over the past few games being directed at MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, it can sometimes be easy to forget about the impact of Melbourne United’s Next Star, Ariel Hukporti.

Big A has been on fire since coming back from his one-game absence, helping United put together it’s current three-game winning streak.

After producing some strong plays in Sunday afternoon’s thumping of the New Zealand Breakers, NBL commentator and Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze marvelled over how far the Togolese teenager has come since the start of the season.

“I’ll tell you what, Hukporti, since he first came into this team, he has been one of the biggest improvers from the start of the season to where we are now.

“(Referring to the play above) When you get to watch him, watch the speed in which he goes, that last blocked shot, he blocked it, and it was a blistering offensive transition. He was at the other end ready to contest the boards.

“It speaks to the way he’s evolving in those areas when he hasn’t got the ball, and how he’s learning the game.”

Gaze later added he has had a number of NBA teams contact him about Hukporti’s prospects at the next level.

“I’ve had probably four or five NBA teams (reach out)... They’re certainly asking a lot of questions about him, that’s for sure.”

This was echoed by United Championship player Peter Hooley, who joined Gaze at the commentary desk.

“Speaking to a couple of draft experts, they’ve been talking to some NBA scouts and teams, and they are so high on Hukporti’s development, even through the first half of the season.”

Over United’s current three-game win streak, Big A has been putting up huge numbers in limited minutes.

Hukporti is averaging over 22 points, eight rebounds and nearly five blocks per 36 minutes over the past three games.

Secure your seat to see Hukporti play in United’s next pair of home games on Saturday 5 March against the Brisbane Bullets, and on Thursday 10 March against the Perth Wildcats now!

Tickets are on sale for both games here, while three and five game memberships for United’s seven remaining home games are available here.

United will be wearing its recently unveiled new Indigenous jerseys for both games, which is available via our online store. It will also be available for purchase at our March 5 and 10 home games.