Hukporti vaults into draft conversation

Melbourne United big-man Ariel Hukporti has used the NBL Blitz as a platform to show NBA teams that last year’s achilles injury has not slowed him down in the slightest.

Across his three games the Togolese-German seven-footer displayed his elite athleticism and motor, outworking opposing bigs and getting above the rim for constant highlights.

In no game was this more evident as in United’s third and final contest, where he tallied 19 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. 

Among those in attendance to see this performance was ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony, who later said he believes Hukporti’s skillset is exactly what NBA teams are looking for.

“I think the sky’s the limit for Ariel Hukporti with the way that he plays pick and roll, the way that he’s guarding, moving his feet, blocking shots, playing with energy, NBA teams are looking for big men like that,” he said.

“He looks even more mobile, even more explosive, he’s playing with unbelievable energy.

“He made some big time plays defensively, he’s dunking on everybody left and right, Ariel Hukporti has helped himself big-time this week with NBA scouts.

“He’s moved himself legitimately into the draft conversation. I moved him into the second round today on my draft board and I want to see him continue to rise.”

Across the entire Blitz, Hukporti averaged 11.7 points, 7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

United’s Next Star will make his much anticipated return to John Cain Arena in Melbourne United’s SOLD OUT season opening Throwdown XXI clash with the SEM Phoenix on September 28.

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