Draft expert lauds Hukporti’s growth, NBA readiness

Written by Melbourne United Media

When you look at Ariel Hukporti, it’s hard to argue against his physical tools.

Standing well above 200cm and weighing in at over 100kg, United’s Next Star remains able to glide up and down the court with speed and rise for highlight plays with ease.

Big A’s grace and power on the court is something ESPN Draft Expert Mike Schmitz has been watching for the past four years, and has him under the impression Hukporti could be in the NBA sooner rather than later.

Speaking after Melbourne’s game against Illawarra, Schmitz said Ariel’s time with Melbourne United has him ready for the NBA game.

“I think (NBA teams) have been impressed.

“I think they’ve been really impressed with his ability to carve out a consistent role on a team where minutes aren’t given to him. That’s going to be the same role he plays in the NBA. He’s going to be the fifth option offensively, he’s going to have to make his mark by playing really hard.”

“You can see he changes the game with his energy when he’s on the floor.”

Looking at how Hukporti progression has played out under Dean Vickerman, Schmitz added that playing on a veteran-ladened, championship quality team will be huge for Ariel at the next level

“I think it’s huge, especially for young bigs who are still building winning habits.

“That’s why NBA teams like to draft players from Duke or Villanova or Baylor, these established programs that win at a high level, because they know when they walk through the door they’re going to be ready not only to impact winning in games, but your practice habits, your ability to take criticism watching film, all those little things.

“It’s really important to come from a winning program that takes development seriously. Just being around the team a little bit… You can see that, that’s what I’ve been most impressed with with Ariel, not skipping any steps and focussing on all the little things that are going to help him stay on the floor at the next level.”

United fans will get their next opportunity to see Ariel take to the sky on Saturday on 2 April from 5.30pm. Tickets for the game are available here.