Kiwi duo look to rekindle Championship chemistry

Starting at a new place of work is never easy.

There’s always a period where you’re just trying to get acclimated, trying to get a feel for how things run compared to how you’re used to operating.

In basketball, it’s exactly the same, even for the reigning NZNBL MVP and coming off a national championship.

That was the situation for Dion Prewster, one of Melbourne United’s new recruits, heading into NBL22.

Coming into a team with championship aspirations, the pressure to perform was always going to be high for Dion, as he looked to bolster United’s already stacked guard rotation.

However, that pressure has somewhat been alleviated for the 6-5 playmaker, as he was reunited with his Tall Blacks and former NZNBL championship teammate, Shea Ili.

Already excited at the opportunity to play for Melbourne’s premier basketball team, Dion says having Shea here made the decision a “no brainer”.

“Having Shea here made the decision even easier, but I wanted to play here because this club is the best… I wanted to come and play for the best team,” Dion says.

“He’s made settling in a lot easier because he’s already established himself here, so I feel comfortable asking him questions or leaning on him to help me learn whatever I need here.”

The pair’s relationship dates all the way back to high school, where Shea readily admitted he idolised Dion’s ability on the court.

“I first started seeing Dion when I was in form 3 (Year 9),” Shea continues.

“I was just a young guy warming the end of the bench, and I would just watch him carve up our teams.”

The two continued to cross paths as they got older, battling against each other in the NZNBL before the pair joined forces in 2016 for the Wellington Saints.

“Playing against (Shea), man, it’s annoying,” Dion laughs.

“But to play alongside him, it’s like that saying, when the tide rises, the boats rise with it. He just lifts everyone else's standard to play harder.

“Getting to see every day how hard he competes; it makes you realise why he’s a great player.”

With both Shea and Dion playing major roles, the Saints 2016 season was a prosperous one, culminating in a Championship victory over the Super City Rangers.

The championship chemistry between the duo has been translating seamlessly on the court during pre-season according to assistant coach Rhys Carter.

“They just know each other so well, it makes fitting a new piece like Dion in so much easier,” Carter says.

“When you’re trying to win a Championship, you look for any edge you can get, so being able to have these guys back together, playing with such a high level of trust, will give us a big boost.”

For United fans unfamiliar with Dion’s game, Shea looked to give some indication on what to expect from his former idol.

“Defensively, he’s relentless,” Shea says.

“He’s going to come in there and hound any opposition guards coming in. We’re a fast-paced team, so expect him to get out on the break and produce some showtime plays.”

The pair aren’t spending any time reminiscing on their past success, instead looking forward to the ultimate goal of another NBL Championship.

“Our Saints stuff and Tall Blacks stuff is in the past, and now we’re trying to continue the winning tradition here,” Dion made clear.
“Those titles were great, but this is a whole new challenge, and we’re ready for it.”

With the team chemistry building and that second consecutive Championship in their sight, now is the time to UNITE behind your team.
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