Ili honoured by Basketball New Zealand

Melbourne United’s Shea Ili has been named Basketball New Zealand’s Best Men’s Player and MVP for the 2023 calendar year following his strong performances for the Tall Blacks at the FIBA World Cup and key role in United’s ultimately unsuccessful title push.

Ili bounced back from extensive concussion issues in 2022 to return to his best for Melbourne. He averaged 10.7 points and 3.7 assists as part of the club’s dogged backcourt duo with Matthew Dellavedova, and he was named the NBL’s Best Defensive Player for the first time in his career.

He also played in all five of New Zealand’s World Cup clashes and averaged 14.8 points per game en route to a 22^nd place finish in the tournament.

Tall Blacks head coach Pero Cameron praised the tenacity with which Ili represented his country on the world stage.

“Shea has been a great player for the Tall Blacks for a number of years,” Cameron said.

“The pace and tenacity he plays with at both ends of the court is inspiring for his teammates. He deserves all the accolades that there are, especially with his defensive superpowers and his leadership qualities.”

Former Breaker Phill Jones was also named the confederation’s Keith Mair Male Coach of the Year.