Ili the ‘best guard defender in the league’

There is no more impactful perimeter defender in the NBL than Shea Ili.

The star New Zealnder claimed his first Damian Martin Trophy as the NBL’s best defensive player last season, and is firmly in the running to secure back-to-back honours for his efforts in NBL25.

Having closely watched Ili, as well as the other award candidates this season, Jordan McCallum of The Pick and Roll lauded two-time champion’s ability to shut down the league’s elite.

“Nobody does a better job of denials, as well as anticipating and manoeuvring his way around the floor in order to not get screened or recover swiftly,” he wrote.

“Ili is relentless with repeated efforts, opportunistic swipes, digs, or dives at the ball, and maximum disruption to the flow of opponents. He’s got an awesome combination of speed, anticipation, relative strength, and an appetite for the physical elements of the game.”

These skills were on full display in our most recent victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers, in which he produced a number of crucial defensive plays in big moments.

After the contest, Head Coach Dean Vickerman praised Ili for his effort at both ends.

“I thought the group that came out after half time made a change defensively. Shea Ili was a massive part of that, he just changed the game by getting deflections and getting on the floor,” Vickerman explained.

“He changed the game with his pace and his attack and he changed the game with the deflections and the loose balls that he came up with and won us extra possessions.”

Fans will get their chance to see Ili hit the court in our final regular season home game on Saturday 8 February from 8pm at John Cain Arena.

Final tickets now available into the Sky Lounge!

Premium corporate seating in our Sky Lounge reserve, inclusive of roaming canapes and private cash bar.

Adult: $215pp

Child: $154pp

To book your tickets, please contact Jake Summers on jake.summers@melbourneutd.com.au