NBL Champions begin off-season by re-signing Ili and signing Triplett

Following the jubilation of winning the 2021 NBL Championship, Melbourne United have quickly turned their attention to rebuilding the roster for the NBL22 season.

To kick off the Free Agency period, Melbourne United have successfully re-signed defensive dynamo and now two-time winning NBL Champion, Shea Ili, who has extended his tenure at the club for a further two seasons.

Ili first signed with Melbourne United in 2019, primarily as a premier defensive piece in Dean Vickerman’s team. However, Ili has recently stepped it up on the offensive end as well, punishing opposition defenders who slip under screens while defending him, resulting in a career-high 43.2% from long range in the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.

The 28-year-old Ili was a key member the championship-winning team’s highly praised bench unit in NBL21, a group who have been heralded as a major piece in the club’s success. Head Coach Dean Vickerman said it was an easy decision to off Ili another contract.

“Shea is a huge part of this team, and of this club.” Vickerman said.

“What he brings on the court is incredibly valuable. His relentless defence, combined with his ever-improving ability on the offensive end means that he has really evolved into a quality two-way player. One that we’re really fortunate to have at Melbourne United.”

Melbourne United have also signed local 19-year-old Zac Triplett to a long-term deal. Triplett will start his tenure at United as a Development Player.

The 198cm guard has represented Victoria on state teams at the Under-18 and Under-20 Australian National Championships, and has most recently been suiting up for the Portland Pilots in the NCAA’s West Coast Division 1 Conference.

Dean Vickerman said: “We’re really looking forward to having Zac at Melbourne United for a long period of time, so that we can help him develop into the player we think he can be.”

“He has a lot of talent and shows a lot of promise. He has been already training with our group for an extended period of time, so to have him sign on officially is great.”

After enjoying the celebrations off the back of the club’s Championship, Melbourne United now look to putting together a roster that can compete for yet another title in NBL22.

Fans are also encouraged to also sign on with Melbourne United, so expressions of interest for NBL22 Membership now open – CLICK HERE.