Shea Ili to stand United for further two seasons

Melbourne United is thrilled to announce that Shea Ili has re-signed with the club for the next two seasons.

The star guard is coming off perhaps his best season in the NBL, recording career-highs in scoring, assists and steals, while claiming his second consecutive NBL Best Defensive Player award.

Speaking to Melbourne United Media, Ili said the decision to remain in Melbourne was an easy one.

“Deano (Head Coach Dean Vickerman) brings out the best in all of us, making it a natural fit for me to be here. I love what the club stands for and the community surrounding it,” he explained.

“I’m here to do my part, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help us win a championship.

"The organisation has done an amazing job over the years at putting us in a position to contend, and as a player, knowing that we’ll have a team committed to winning and being great off the court is invaluable.

"That extends to the high performance team and the front office. The people behind the scenes really care about us as players and that makes you want to play here.

“My family and I love Melbourne; two of my three girls were born here, so it truly feels like our home away from home. Playing in front of our incredible fans again means a lot to me.”

Since arriving at United for the NBL20 season, Ili has played a massive role in driving success at the club, helping deliver a Championship in NBL21 while winning over 67% of his 174 games.

Vickerman said securing Ili’s signature was high on the club’s priority list, knowing just how much value the New Zealander adds to whatever lineup he’s a part of.

“Shea is exactly the sort of player we want leading our club: Someone that values everyone around them at the club. To lock in that sort of culture fit is essential to us continuing to get better,” Vickerman said.

“We know just how important it is to have a backcourt player that can really defend at a high level. There are so many talented guards coming into this league and to be able to have a counter to them is so beneficial, and that’s what he brings as the two-time reigning Best Defensive Player.

“At the other end, the pace that he plays the game at generates so many open shots for his teammates. He’s constantly putting heat on the rim and creating opportunities at an elite level.”

Ili joins Chris Goulding, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen and Dash Daniels (Next Star) as contracted players for NBL26.

To keep up to date with all of United’s Free Agency news, keep your eye on our Offseason Hub and download the Melbourne United app on iOs or Google Play.