Tall Blacks star Shea Ili on Delly, defence and Dean

Some big-name players have come and gone, but Tall Blacks star Shea Ili figures his role won’t change much when Melbourne United step on court tomorrow to tip off the defence of their Australian NBL crown.

Ili has been a key piece in the Melbourne makeup ever since New Zealand Breakers owner Matt Walsh decided – erroneously, many believe – to cut the hard-nosed point guard loose in 2019.

United coach, and former Breakers mentor, Dean Vickerman could not believe his fortune when the defence-first guard popped up on the free agent’s list, and quickly snapped up the New Zealander to shore up his backcourt.

Their partnership has proved a fruitful one, to say the least, with Melbourne bowing out as beaten semifinalists in Ili’s first campaign (2019-20), and going all the way to the franchise’s sixth championship last season when they swept the Perth Wildcats in the grand final. It was Ili’s second title, after he won one as a development player with the Breakers in 2015.

The Kiwi described Melbourne’s run to their second title under the United banner as ``fun’’. Eventually. After an ankle injury removed him for a big chunk of the first half of the season, the feisty Kiwi returned to add his distinctive defensive stamp

over the run home.

``We were deep, and had a core group who had been there for a couple of years. We stuck together and got a chip,’’ he reflected. ``After the injury it was good to get out and do what I do best, which is play good D on the main players. We had great chemistry on defence, subbing in and out and just taking turns

guarding the import guards.

``It was a great rhythm we had throughout the year.’’

That ``rhythm’’ will have to be found with a new group for 2021-22. Star centre Jock Landale is now in the NBA with the Spurs, influential combo guard Mitch McCarron has moved to the Adelaide 36ers, Sam McDaniel to expansion club

Tasmania and import Scotty Hopson and Japanese guard Yudai Baba have both also departed.

In has come former NBA champion and Aussie Boomer Matthew Dellavedova, as well as German Next Star Ariel Hukporti, new import Caleb Agada, veteran swingman Brad Newley and Tall Black Dion Prewster.

``When you win a championship it’s always tough to bring guys back, especially when new teams come into the league,’’ said Ili of the change-ups. ``Teams are trying to build great chemistry and they want guys with championshipwinning experience.’’

But the 29-year-old New Zealander likes what Vickerman has put together, with Dellavedova the key addition after a nine-year NBA career that included a championship with LeBron James and the Cavaliers in 2016.

The prospect of logging significant backcourt minutes alongside the defence-minded Aussie excites Ili, as much as it should scare opposing guards throughout the league.

``Just the knowledge he gives out every day in practice, and seeing the way he goes about his business . . . it’s awesome to play with someone with that experience who’s likeminded and defence-first,’’ noted Ili.

The Kiwi doesn’t figure on his role changing much this year either. He’ll still come off the bench, still provide the hustle on defence, and still look to knock down shots when teams dare him to shoot, and use his speed off the dribble when they don’t.

As always, Ili is trying to round out his game. Melbourne didn’t rely on him as a scorer (he averaged 7.1 points for the season), but his 42 percent hit-rate from deep reflected a

part of the game he continues to work hard on.

``I knew it was a weakness in my game, and I had to work on it, and be confident in shooting that shot,’’ he said. ``If guys were going to leave me open, I’ve got to help my team by hitting those shots.’’

Ili is happy where he is now, enjoying life in Melbourne with wife Morgan and their two young children and rapt to play under a coach [Vickerman] who trusts his players and stays well clear of his import quota. ``He’s a great coach, and lets people play the way they want to play, as long as it’s in the system. He likes us to get up and down and get easy buckets, and that’s the way I like to play.’’

Ili is also rapt to have fellow Tall Black Prewster on board with Melbourne for 2021-22, and is confident the slick Saints star can provide key minutes when called upon.

``He likes to get up and in, and play physical, which fits us well. He’s always been under the radar, but he’s a great player, and showed that for the Tall Blacks when we beat the Aussies in Brisbane.’’ Melbourne have a tough opening at title favourites Sydney tomorrow (5pm,NZT) and Ili knows one thing for sure: ``We know we’ve got that target on our backs and we know we’re going to get everyone’s best shots. We’ve just got to play great.’’