Shea Ili

One of the most tenacious players in the competition, Shea Ili heads into NBL27 as one if the league's best defensive players.

Ili has already achieved a tremendous amount across his NBL career, which started at the New Zealand Breakers where he won a Championship and was named as the league's Most Improved Player, before coming to United, where he claimed a second title, along with winning Defensive Player of the Year in NBL24 and NBL25, and Best Sixth Man in NBL22.

Ahead of this season, Ili ranks third all-time in games played for United (186) and second in steals (189) and assists (622).

Along with what he's done in the NBL, Ili has had a brilliant NZNBL career, winning five championships, Finals MVP in 2017 and league MVP in 2018, as well as being named the NBL1 South MVP in 2022 while playing with the Sandringham Sabres.

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