Hukporti fills JLA-sized hole

Playing behind the league’s best center across the first half of the NBL22 season, it’s been a learning process for United Next Star Ariel Hukporti.

The Togolese giant has formed a terrific rotation alongside MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, however with JLA remaining in Melbourne for the birth of his son, Big A was forced to step into the spotlight against Cairns.

Playing his most minutes in a game this season, Hukporti did not disappoint, registering 12 points, eight rebounds and a trio of blocks in just 23 minutes of play. This was A’s second consecutive game with three blocks, a mark no other Next Star has ever replicated.

Finishing as a game-high +21, Hukporti said he was happy he could help the team secure its fourth consecutive win.

“I helped the team, it’s not just an individual moment, it’s a team effort, especially when we play a team like that, we needed to stick together defensively and offensively.”

Ariel added he did his best to follow the advice JLA gave him ahead of the trip, despite fouling out of the game.

“I’ve learned a lot from Jo. Before we left, he told me “stay solid, don’t get in foul trouble,” but I did again,” he laughed.

Fans will get their next chance to see Ariel at John Cain Arena for a matchup with the Brisbane Bullets.

Melbourne will be wearing their NBL22 Indigenous Jersey in the home game on Saturday 5 March against the Bullets, and then again on Thursday 10 March against the Perth Wildcats.

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