MU welcome back dynamic duo for Round 17 double

Heading into a crucial weekend of games, Melbourne United are set to welcome back the star duo of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Shea Ili for Round 17.

Having each missed United’s past two games, the return of the dynamic pair of NBL championship winners will hopefully propel Melbourne to a couple of big road victories.

Speaking after practice on Wednesday, Head Coach Dean Vickerman broke down the importance of Ili and Lual-Acuil Jr at both ends.

“Shea’s had a good week of practice, Jo’s had a good week of practice so I’m pretty sure they’re ticked off and ready to go,” he said.

“They’re going to be keys for us: Shea to add some pace and defence and the things that he does for us and Jo just to be the threat (that he is). For him, I thought just having a couple of weeks where he could focus on his body and himself, he looks in a really good headspace to go out and play basketball right now.”

This was echoed by captain Chris Goulding.

“They’re massive,” he explained. 

“They’re a massive part of our club, our culture, and how we carry ourselves on the floor.

“We’re excited for them to be back and come and lead us in the areas that they do so well.”

Goulding and Lual-Acuil Jr have for most of the season proven to be the league’s most dangerous one-two punch, having combined for over 50 points twice this season.

Speaking on the NBL Now podcast, former league MVP Derek Rucker hailed CG and JLA as the best duo in the league.

“I’m going to go with the guys that I know can get it done, and that’s JLA and CG,” he said.

“I think Melbourne United have achieved so much with these two guys as the focal points, that it’s hard to go past them, even though JLA has been out of the lineup.”

Fans will get their next chance to see United’s stars hit the court on Friday evening against the Bullets in Brisbane from 7:30pm.

The game will be streamed live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.