New and familiar faces shine across pre-season action

While Melbourne United may have exited the 2021 Hungry Jack’s pre-season Blitz tournament with fewer wins than desired, the games were a great way to get a glimpse into what the defending champs are capable of.

Perhaps the biggest standout was Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who finished the Blitz having scored more points than anyone. 

JLA averaged 20 points and 9.3 rebounds across the four games, helping United outscore opponents by 17 points while on the court.

Feeding the big-man on many of those baskets was star point guard Matthew Dellavedova, who dished out the fourth-most assists in the tournament.

Still settling in offensively, Delly focussed on getting his teammates involved more than scoring himself, averaging 5.5 points and 5.3 assists, all without missing a shot from the free-throw line.
Shea Ili was equally effective from the charity stripe, knocking down all 11 of his attempts to supplement the tenacious defense he is known league-wide for.

Another player finding himself on the receiving end of Delly’s crisp passing was United captain Chris Goulding, who let it fly from beyond the arc.

CG knocked down 13 triples and averaged 15.8 points per game in just 22 minutes per night.

With defenses stretched trying to deal with Melbourne’s shooting threats, Next Star Ariel Hukporti went to work in his limited minutes.
The teenage NBA-hopeful averaged 10.5 points, 5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just over 15 minutes of contest.

Helping Hukporti out on the boards was United’s workhorse, Mason Peatling, who pulled down as many offensive rebounds as anyone not named Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

Peatling averaged 7.8 rebounds, 9.25 points and 1 block per game.

United’s NBL22 season tips off this Sunday when they face to Kings in Sydney at 3pm. Melbourne fans can tune in live via ESPN or 10Peach.