JLA on Shea: He’s definitely the best defender in the league

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr has heaped praise on the league’s best defender following their win over the Perth Wildcats.

While JLA’s 22 point, 13 rebound, four block performance in United’s win on Saturday night may have looked like the standout performance on paper, the big man instead directed all the attention post-game towards bench guard Shea Ili.

Ili finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists, however it was his defence that helped the defending champs overcome a 15-point first quarter deficit and secure the win.

Speaking to the media, Big Jo didn’t mince words when talking about Ili’s performance and skill as a lockdown defender.

“I know I hear a lot of people talking about Defensive Player of The Year, but I feel like Shea can be in that conversation every single year.

“He’s a little bit disrespected in that aspect, he’s definitely the best defender in the league, people need to start recognising that.

“He’s been doing that for three years and I feel like he’s been flying under the radar, but I feel like (the media) need to respect him a little bit more.”

Tasked with guarding three-time league MVP Bryce Cotton after the guard lit up United in the opening 15 minutes for 16 points, Ili clamped the American.

Shea denied Cotton relentlessly, forcing the Wildcats to look elsewhere for scoring, and locked up the scorer when he was able to get the ball in his hands.

When guarded by Shea, Cotton scored just three points, hitting on only one of his six attempts from the field. When guarded by all other United players, Cotton scored 28 on 9-14 shooting.

Fans will get another chance to see Shea Ili’s tenacious defence on display on Thursday night for Throwdown XIV, delivered by DoorDash, against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Tickets are available here, and three and five game membership packages for the remainder of the season can be found here!