Squad Update: Round 17

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Melbourne United will see the return of a key player on Saturday night, while weathering the loss of their starting point guard.

Isaac Humphries will make his return to the line-up against New Zealand after missing the team’s past three games with a knee injury. Humphries currently leads the league in blocked shots per game.

While United will enjoy the return of Humphries, the side will be without kiwi point guard Shea Ili.

Ili will remain out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a concussion due to an elbow to the jaw in the win against the Adelaide 36ers. While Ili is in good spirits and isn’t suffering any significant symptoms, due to his recent history of concussion the club is treating the situation with an abundance of caution.

After dealing with a complex concussion earlier in the season, Ili underwent extensive testing with concussion specialists in order to rehabilitate back to full health.

Unfortunately, due to another concussion diagnosis, he will now need to undergo further testing with medical experts to assist Melbourne United’s high-performance staff provide the best care to Shea and work towards a future return to play date. Ili will remain out indefinitely until this time.

David Barlow will also remain out with concussion symptoms. Callum Dalton and Lachlan Barker will come into the line-up for Round 17.