Ili eager for what lies ahead in NBL26

Few players in professional basketball exert more energy on the court than the two-time reigning NBL Best Defensive Player, Shea Ili.

Whether it’s fighting over screens, pressuring ball handlers or pushing the pace in transition, Ili has garnered a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the NBL.

Playing with that much intensity can however take its toll, and following another hard-fought Championship series, Ili prioritised taking some time to get away from basketball this offseason and enjoy some rest among family in New Zealand.

While he was away, the focus was clear; look forward at what’s to come rather than looking back and what has been.

“You can look throughout the season and see where you can be better, but also it’s great to forget about it knowing that there’s another season ahead,” he told Melbourne United Media.

“You’ve just got to be better, be better in every aspect and just grind it out again hopefully we come away with a Championship.

“I’m always going out there to play hard, but most of the offseason was about enjoying the game again with some friends that I’ve known for a while in the basketball space, making connections on that side and basically just trying to have fun.”

With the start of the NBL26 season right around the corner, Ili is excited to get back out on the court with this new-look United group.

Already one of the league’s fastest players, the Kiwi star has embraced the directive from the coaching staff to play with more pace across the upcoming campaign.

“We’re talking about trying to play faster this year and that suits my game, my strengths, so I’m excited to go out with the bunch that we have.

“It’s a new team, but we’re super talented and I know we can get it done, we just have to be able to come together quickly.

“I feel like it’s an exciting way of playing, I feel like the fans are going to be excited to watch us, it’s going to be a fun season.”

With so much anticipation ahead of the start of next season, the time is now to lock in your seat to see every second of action inside John Cain Arena.

Melbourne United Memberships are nearly all SOLD OUT! Click here to unite with us for NBL26.