Hukporti ready for Tasmanian preseason tests

After spending so much time on the sidelines with injury, Ariel Hukporti is relishing every opportunity he gets to play basketball.

The towering 21-year-old Next Star returned to action two weeks ago against Cal Baptist University, finishing with seven points and four rebounds in a blowout victory.

Now, with a pair of games scheduled in Tasmania against the JackJumpers next week, he can’t wait to get back on the court.

LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT HERE:

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“It’s just great to have some more games coming up for myself just to get used to the game again,” he said.

“I feel great… The pace of the game is pretty fast so I’ve got to get used to it again. 

“I’m trying to just give my best out there and just try and bring the team to a championship, to win.”

Melbourne United will bring a different looking roster to Tasmania featuring a collection of Development Players and training players.

This includes both Campbell Blogg and Malith Machar, who were absent from the Cal Baptist game due to NBL1 commitments.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Hukporti said about the team MU is taking to Tasmania.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys playing, a lot of DPs playing and new guys as well. Me especially, I see myself as a new guy because I haven’t played for a year. 

“Campbell (Blogg) impressed me last year as well, his confidence (has risen) madly. He’s just such a good player, such a good shooter, his development is so great, he’s getting better every single day.”

Fans can tune into the games on Monday and Wednesday next week from 6:30pm via Melbourne United’s Facebook and the NBL App.