NICKNAME/S: Shili

BIO: Shea Ili was born in Auckland (NZ) and raised in Mangere Bridge. He played his junior basketball at Onehunga High School and appeared for Counties Manukau in rep team’s before joining the Auckland Pirates in 2012 to play in the NZNBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Shea Ili made his NBL debut with the New Zealand Breakers at 22 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

After a disappointing season that saw the Breakers miss the playoffs for the first time in four years, they retooled by re-signing Cedric Jackson, who had led the team to back-to-back championships, and pairing him with forward import Ekene Ibekwe. This season also marked the arrival of Shea Ili, who joined the team as a development player, contributing 0.9 points and 0.1 assists per game as the Breakers battled for the top spot against Perth and Cairns, ultimately finishing in second place with a 19–9 record.

In the semifinals, New Zealand faced the red-hot Adelaide 36ers, who had won their last 10 regular-season games. Despite Adelaide’s strong form, the Breakers dominated Game 1 at Vector Arena, winning comfortably (111–82). The series then shifted to Adelaide, where the Breakers once again controlled the game, defeating the 36ers (94–83) and advancing to the Grand Final against first-place Cairns.

Although Game 1 was held in Cairns, New Zealand delivered a convincing win (86–71), led by Jackson’s 22 points. Game 2 moved to Auckland, where a tightly contested game saw Taipans guard Scottie Wilbekin tie the game with clutch free throws in the final seconds. Coming out of a timeout, Ibekwe nailed a game-winning fade-away jumper off an inbound pass, sealing the Breakers’ fourth title in five years with an 83–81 victory. Jackson (15 points) earned Grand Final MVP honours for the second time in his career.

2015/16
Retaining nearly all players from their championship-winning roster, the Breakers lost only Rhys Carter (to Sydney) and Ekene Ibekwe (to Europe), replacing them with Australian point guard Shane McDonald and import big man Charles Jackson. Pre-season challenges arose, as Alex Pledger underwent off-season foot surgery, Thomas Abercrombie struggled with a hamstring issue, and Corey Webster briefly departed to trial with the New Orleans Pelicans. Coach Paul Henare elevated development players Shea Ili and Tai Wynyard while adding Everard Bartlett as an injury replacement for Webster.

New Zealand suffered an unexpected loss to Adelaide in their season opener (71-90). Missing key players like Webster, Abercrombie, and Pledger, the Breakers managed only 26 points by halftime—their second-lowest first-half score in team history. A struggling start (1-3) received a boost with Webster’s return (19.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists). Webster’s reintroduction saw Duane Bailey released, while Bartlett, initially signed as an injury replacement, remained on the roster. New Zealand soon climbed the standings, winning nine of their next 11 games and reclaiming top-four contention by Round 10 (10-5). However, inconsistency followed, with the Breakers losing five of their next six games (11-10) and briefly dropping out of playoff contention.

A late-season surge saw New Zealand end on a five-game winning streak, finishing fourth (16–12) to claim the final playoff spot. They swept ladder-leaders Melbourne in the semifinals (2–0), reaching their fifth Grand Final appearance in six years.

Facing Perth once again in the Grand Final, the Wildcats leaned on Nathan Jawai’s inside presence and Casey Prather’s defence to win Game 1 (82–76). The Breakers evened the series at home in Game 2, thanks to a near triple-double from Cedric Jackson (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists) in a hard-fought 72–68 win.

In the deciding Game 3 in Perth, a 13,090-strong ‘Red Army’ witnessed the Wildcats secure a dominant 75–52 victory, marking New Zealand’s first Grand Final series loss and their first playoff defeat against Perth. Corey Webster’s strong season (19.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) earned him All-NBL Second Team honours, while Ili averaged 1.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists for the season.

2016/17
A deciding-game loss to Perth in the 2016 Grand Final ended New Zealand’s season after a 16-12 regular-season record, with the Breakers then losing chief executive Richard Clarke and coach Dean Vickerman during the offseason. Paul Henare was promoted from assistant to head coach and Dillon Boucher took over as general manager, while Cedric Jackson (to Melbourne) and Tai Wesley (to Melbourne) also departed. Thomas Abercrombie, Corey Webster, Alex Pledger and captain Mika Vukona returned, with Kirk Penney (via Illawarra), Robert Loe (via Limburg United), Ben Woodside (via Türk Telekom) and Akil Mitchell (via Antibes) added to the roster and Finn Delany and Jordan Ngatai elevated from development player roles.

Ili had spent the previous two seasons as a Breakers development player before signing his first full-time contract with New Zealand alongside Delany on April 27. Henare said of the pair, “Both are on the cusp of lengthy and successful careers in the game and have the world at their feet.” Ili’s move into the full-time roster was delayed by a stress fracture in his lower back which he had carried while playing for Wellington and through the Tall Blacks’ Olympic qualifying programme before the full extent of the injury was discovered during preparations for the NBL season. He was initially ruled out for at least six weeks, with Isaih Tueta (via Brisbane Spartans) signed as a short-term injury replacement.

After missing New Zealand’s first 11 games and spending almost three months sidelined, Ili made his first appearance of the season against Cairns on November 27. Ili (0 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal) played 7 minutes and 50 seconds from the bench, with Penney (18 points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists) and Mitchell (16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) leading New Zealand, while Travis Trice (31 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Cairns to a 91-80 victory.

Ili (4.4 points across 17 games) played every remaining game following his return from the back injury and made three starts. His role increased as injuries continued to reduce New Zealand’s available backcourt options, with Ili producing his first double-figure scoring game against Adelaide on January 8. Ili (12 points and 2 assists) made four three-pointers, while Kevin Dillard (18 points and 3 assists) and Penney (17 points and 3 assists) led New Zealand, with Jerome Randle (23 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) leading Adelaide to a 113-95 victory.

New Zealand’s season continued to be affected by injuries and changes to its import combination. Woodside (8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals across 6 games) ruptured the plantar fascia in his right foot and David Stockton (via Cedevita Zagreb) was brought in as his injury replacement. Stockton (8.3 points and 4.2 assists across 10 games) initially provided a lift before suffering a lower-back problem, while Webster (11.7 points across 15 games) continued to battle hip and back injuries before undergoing season-ending hip surgery and Abercrombie (11.7 points and 5.2 rebounds across 21 games) missed time with a broken hand. Paul Carter (via Alba Berlin) (9.1 points and 4.5 rebounds across 11 games) joined as Webster’s injury replacement while also providing cover for Abercrombie, before Stockton and the still-injured Woodside were released and Dillard (via Pınar Karşıyaka) (18.1 points, 4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals across 9 games) was signed for the remaining nine games. Mitchell later suffered a serious eye injury against Cairns and returned to the United States for specialist treatment, missing the final three games.

After winning only eight of its first 20 games, Dillard combined with Penney (17.4 points and 3.4 rebounds across 28 games) to lead the Breakers to four consecutive victories and return New Zealand to 12-12. Mitchell (9.5 points and 7.2 rebounds across 25 games), Pledger (8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 28 games), Loe (7.1 points and 3.4 rebounds across 26 games) and Vukona (6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds across 27 games) provided the other major contributions, while Penney was named the Breakers’ club MVP. Ili’s progress after missing the opening months was recognised when he finished second to Adelaide’s Anthony Drmic for NBL Rookie of the Year, receiving 37 votes to Drmic’s 41.

Ili’s best game came in New Zealand’s final regular-season game against Melbourne at Vector Arena on February 10, where Ili (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist) made four of five shots and all three of his three-point attempts. He hit two important three-pointers late in the game and was given the defensive assignment on Chris Goulding (6 points), while Dillard (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Penney (15 points and 7 rebounds) led New Zealand and Casper Ware (23 points) was Melbourne’s best as the Breakers won 88-70 and finished fifth with a 14-14 record.

2017/18
Following an injury-riddled 2016/17 season which saw New Zealand miss the playoffs with a 14-14 record, the Breakers entered Paul Henare’s second season without Kevin Dillard (to PAOK Thessaloniki), Akil Mitchell (to Long Island Nets), Paul Carter (to Châlons-Reims), David Stockton (to Reno Bighorns) and Ben Woodside (retired). Corey Webster (to Perth) also departed after New Zealand declined the third-year option on his contract, although he was released by the Wildcats before the season to pursue an opportunity overseas. Henare added Édgar Sosa (via Al Riyadi Beirut), DJ Newbill (via Oostende) and James Hunter (via Southland), while keeping the team’s third import position open.

New Zealand opened the season against Cairns at Spark Arena on October 8, where Ili (2 points and 1 rebound) played 19 minutes off the bench as the Breakers lost 82-71. Thomas Abercrombie (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Sosa (15 points and 3 assists) led New Zealand, while Dayshon Smith (18 points and 5 rebounds) led Cairns.

Ili (9.3 points and 3.1 assists across 30 games) entered the second season of the full-time contract he had signed with New Zealand in April 2016 after a back injury had cost him three months of the previous season. He entered the NBL season after helping Wellington win the New Zealand NBL championship and earning Finals MVP honours before averaging 15.4 points and 5.8 assists for the Tall Blacks at the FIBA Asia Cup, where he was named to the tournament’s All-Star Five. Ili remained primarily a back-up guard but regularly closed games for Henare and played all 28 regular-season games and both semifinals without missing a game through injury or any other absence.

Ili’s best game of the season came against Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 26, where Ili (23 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) shot 7-of-11 from the field, made three three-pointers and scored a career-high as New Zealand defeated the Bullets 101-96 for its fourth consecutive win and remained on top of the ladder. Sosa (19 points and 4 assists) and Abercrombie (13 points) provided support, while Perrin Buford (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Brisbane. Henare said, “I was happy with the way we were able to hang around and keep the scoreboard ticking over.”

New Zealand continued its strong start against Brisbane at Spark Arena on November 19, where Ili (14 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists) provided another strong performance off the bench as the Breakers defeated the Bullets 90-82 for their ninth consecutive victory. Sosa (24 points) and Newbill (19 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led the scoring, while Buford (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was Brisbane’s best as New Zealand improved to 9-1 and entered the FIBA World Cup qualifying break on top of the ladder.

The Breakers struggled following the international break, losing five of their next eight games before using their vacant third import position on January 8 to sign Rakeem Christmas (via Galatasaray) for the remainder of the season. Hunter (2.5 points across 2 games, released) was waived to open a roster position despite Henare stressing the decision was not performance related. Christmas (7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds across 12 games) was brought in to provide another interior presence, with Henare saying, “Releasing Jimmy was extremely hard, he is a victim of circumstance.”

Another of Ili’s best games came against Illawarra at Spark Arena on February 4, where Ili (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) helped New Zealand defeat the Hawks 88-84 and secure a playoff berth with four regular-season games remaining. Newbill (20 points) and Abercrombie (17 points and 4 rebounds) provided support, while Rotnei Clarke (22 points) led Illawarra as the Breakers improved to 15-9 and guaranteed a top-four finish.

Ili (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) played in New Zealand’s final regular-season game against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on February 18, with Jordan Ngatai (17 points) and Christmas (13 points and 9 rebounds) leading the Breakers. Jason Cadee (30 points and 3 assists) led Sydney to a 101-86 win, handing New Zealand its fourth consecutive loss as the Breakers finished fourth with a 15-13 record.

Sosa (15.8 points and 3.8 assists across 28 games) led New Zealand in scoring and earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Newbill (13.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across 30 games) provided another major backcourt option. Penney (10.1 points across 22 games), Abercrombie (9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 30 games), Loe (7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 30 games), Pledger (6.4 points and 4.9 rebounds across 28 games), Mika Vukona (6.2 points and 6.1 rebounds across 30 games) and Finn Delany (5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds across 28 games) rounded out the main rotation. Ili’s improvement from 4.4 points per game the previous season was recognised when he was named the NBL Most Improved Player.

New Zealand entered its semifinal series against Melbourne without Delany, who was sidelined with concussion. Melbourne opened the series at Hisense Arena on March 3 with an 88-77 win behind Casper Ware (33 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), Casey Prather (15 points and 5 rebounds) and Tai Wesley (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), while Newbill (19 points and 3 steals) and Ili (16 points and 5 assists) led the Breakers.

Game two moved to Spark Arena, where Ili (2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) played 27 minutes as Newbill (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists), Penney (17 points) and Loe (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) pushed Melbourne to overtime. Josh Boone (33 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), Ware (15 points and 6 assists), Chris Goulding (14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Prather (12 points and 11 rebounds) led United, with Boone scoring the winning put-back in the final second as Melbourne won 88-86 and completed the 2-0 sweep in Penney’s final NBL game.

2018/19
In 2018, a new regime was brought about at the Breakers organisation. In February, a consortium headed by former NBA player Matt Walsh became the majority shareholders via a newly formed company called Breakers Basketball Ltd, thus ending the 13-year Liz and Paul Blackwell ownership team.

Next came the exodus of four of the franchise’s most long-serving figures during the off-season. Paul Henare’s 15 years as player and coach came to an end, New Zealand’s all-time leading scorer Kirk Penney retired, and Alex Pledger (to Melbourne), Mika Vukona (to Brisbane), and Robert Loe (to Cairns) all signed deals elsewhere. Thomas Abercrombie was appointed captain following Vukona’s departure and former Breakers guard Kevin Braswell became head coach, with Tai Wesley (via Melbourne), Corey Webster (via Europe), Jarrad Weeks (via Cairns), Majok Majok (via Melbourne), Patrick Richard, Armani Moore, and Shawn Long added to the roster.

After winning the NBL’s Most Improved Player award the previous season, Shea Ili re-signed with the Breakers on a two-year deal in March. He was expected to move into the starting point guard role, with Weeks brought in to provide support off the bench. “I am excited and happy with my decision to sign here for another two years. It’s definitely going to be different with new changes to the system but I’m positive about where the club is heading.” Ili also attended a Dallas Mavericks mini-camp during the off-season after his breakout year with the Breakers and Tall Blacks.

New Zealand travelled to the United States during the preseason to face the Phoenix Suns in its first NBLxNBA game. Ili (7 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) started as the Breakers pushed Phoenix before falling 86-91, with Webster (27 points and 7 assists) and Wesley (15 points and 7 rebounds) leading New Zealand, while Deandre Ayton (21 points and 15 rebounds) led the Suns.

New Zealand opened the regular season against Brisbane at Spark Arena on October 11, where Ili (3 points and 3 assists) started in a 73-86 loss. Webster (23 points) and Wesley (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) led the Breakers, while Cameron Gliddon (29 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) was Brisbane’s best.

Ili (7.9 points across 27 games) started all 27 games he played, but his offensive production fell from the 9.2 points he averaged during his Most Improved Player season and his three-point shooting dropped to 23 per cent. His defence remained one of his strengths, but New Zealand struggled for consistency around its new starting point guard, winning only four of its first 12 games and enduring a five-game losing streak through November and December. Ili missed only the November 25 loss to Perth, his sole absence of the season, with no injury or other reason for the missed game confirmed.

Ili helped end the five-game losing streak in Cairns on December 16, where Ili (14 points, 3 steals, and 1 block) made 5-of-7 from the field and combined with Abercrombie on back-to-back three-pointers late in the fourth quarter to put the game beyond reach as New Zealand won 89-78. Weeks (17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) and Long (16 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks) led the Breakers, while Melo Trimble (23 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) was Cairns’ best.

Ili’s best game of the season came in Adelaide on December 30, where Ili (19 points and 4 steals) made 8-of-15 from the field and scored a season-high 19 points as New Zealand tried to overcome foul trouble to its imports. Delany (18 points and 5 rebounds) and Weeks (18 points and 3 assists) also provided strong production from the local contingent, but Daniel Johnson (28 points and 7 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 109-98 victory that left the Breakers seventh on the ladder entering the new year.

Another strong performance came against Melbourne on February 3, where Ili (18 points, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made three three-pointers as New Zealand led by as many as 15 points before Webster forced overtime with a long three-pointer in the dying seconds. Long (28 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Webster (16 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) also contributed, but Mitchell McCarron (25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne to a 111-102 overtime victory that secured United a playoff position and further damaged New Zealand’s finals hopes.

Long (18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) emerged as New Zealand’s leading scorer, finished second in the NBL in both rebounding and blocked shots, earned All-NBL Second Team honours, and won the Breakers Club MVP award. Wesley (14.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) was another consistent contributor, while Richard (11 points and 3.6 rebounds), Webster (10.4 points), Weeks (10.1 points), Abercrombie (8.5 points and 5.1 rebounds), Delany (8 points), and Moore (7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds) rounded out the main rotation. Weeks produced the best season of his career and finished runner-up for both Best Sixth Man and Most Improved Player, while Webster recorded his lowest scoring average in five seasons. A three-game losing streak during January dropped New Zealand to 8-12 and the bottom of the ladder before the Breakers were eventually eliminated from playoff contention.

Despite having another year remaining on the two-year contract he signed before the season, Ili (to Melbourne) requested and was granted a release from the Breakers in June to pursue greater playing opportunities after New Zealand added highly rated American point guard RJ Hampton through the NBL’s Next Stars program. Ili signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United the following day, ending five seasons with the Breakers and reuniting with former New Zealand coach Dean Vickerman.

New Zealand closed the season in Brisbane on February 16, where Ili (2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) started alongside Long (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Wesley (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists), while Lamar Patterson (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Bullets to an 84-78 victory that secured Brisbane’s first playoff appearance since 2008 as the Breakers finished sixth with a 12-16 record.

2020/21
After finishing fourth with a 15-13 record and losing its semifinal series to Sydney the previous season, Melbourne reshaped its roster under coach Dean Vickerman after multiple seasons trying to get import Casey Prather back onto the court, with United and Prather (released) mutually agreeing to terminate the second season of his contract. Jack White (via Duke University) and Japanese guard Yudai Baba (via Texas Legends) were added, with Baba signing a one-year NBL Special Restricted Player contract, while captain Chris Goulding re-signed on a three-year deal, David Barlow on a one-year deal, Mason Peatling on a three-year deal and Sam McDaniel on a one-year deal. Scotty Hopson (via Oklahoma City Blue) was signed as the team’s lone import before Australian Boomers forward Jock Landale (via Žalgiris) completed the roster on a one-year deal after his planned NBA move did not eventuate and Melbourne negotiated a buyout of his remaining Lithuanian contract.

Ili entered the second and final season of the two-year deal he had signed with Melbourne in 2019 and identified improving his shooting consistency as one of his main goals heading into the season. “Definitely being a bit more consistent in my shot,” said Ili.

Melbourne opened the season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 15, where Ili (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) provided an immediate spark as United defeated Adelaide 89-65, with Lual-Acuil (16 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Goulding (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) leading Melbourne, while Johnson (27 points and 5 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best.

Ili (6.6 points across 34 games) continued to provide defensive pressure and energy in Melbourne’s backcourt while improving his outside shooting, connecting on a career-high 43.2 percent from three-point range during the championship season.

Ili suffered the first major interruption to his season against Brisbane at Nissan Arena on February 5, scoring 4 points and adding 1 steal before rolling his ankle late in the first quarter and taking no further part as Melbourne defeated the Bullets 109-96. Goulding (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Landale (20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) led United, while Sobey (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Brisbane’s best. The ankle injury forced Ili to miss Melbourne’s next five games.

Ili returned against Sydney at John Cain Arena on February 27 and made four of his six three-point attempts to finish with 12 points and 3 rebounds as Melbourne defeated the Kings 83-80. Landale (20 points and 7 rebounds) and Hopson (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support, while Vasiljevic (22 points) led Sydney.

Ili’s best scoring game came against New Zealand on March 25, where he made all three of his three-point attempts and finished with a season-high 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists as Melbourne recovered from an 18-point deficit to defeat the Breakers 82-79. McCarron (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Goulding (13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) helped complete the comeback, while Delany (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led New Zealand.

A second ankle problem ruled Ili out before Melbourne’s April 4 game against Cairns and kept him sidelined for the following two games, taking his total number of games missed through the two ankle injuries to eight before returning later in April. United’s depth was also tested when White (9.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks across 11 games) ruptured his Achilles against Cairns and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, requiring around 12 months of rehabilitation, with former United big man David Andersen (1.3 points across 6 games) signed as an injury replacement player.

Landale (16.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 41 games) led Melbourne in scoring and was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Goulding (15.7 points across 36 games) remained United’s leading perimeter scorer despite missing six games with a low-grade calf strain. Hopson (11.9 points and 3.5 rebounds across 34 games), McCarron (9.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across 42 games), Lual-Acuil (9.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 41 games), Baba (7.8 points across 36 games) and Peatling (5.9 points and 4 rebounds across 39 games) gave Melbourne one of the league’s deepest rotations. Goulding and McCarron were selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Lual-Acuil was named the NBL’s Best Sixth Man.

Ili’s best all-round game came in Melbourne’s final regular-season game against Adelaide on June 6, finishing with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 block as United defeated the 36ers 102-80 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre after the game was relocated from Victoria because of the COVID lockdown. Hopson (19 points) and Landale (19 points and 9 rebounds) led Melbourne alongside Ili, while Crocker (27 points and 5 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best as United finished first with a 28-8 record, three games clear at the top of the ladder.

Victorian rivals South East Melbourne awaited in the semifinals, with Victoria’s lockdown forcing all three games to be played at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. Melbourne opened the series with a 96-78 win as Ili (9 points and 2 steals), Landale (26 points) and Hopson (22 points) helped United take control of the series, while Moore (17 points) and Creek (15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led the Phoenix.

South East Melbourne responded in game two, defeating Melbourne 90-79 as Ili (6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block), Hopson (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Goulding (14 points and 3 rebounds) and Lual-Acuil (11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) led United, while Sykes (26 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals), Creek (26 points and 4 rebounds) and Wetzell (20 points and 8 rebounds) helped the Phoenix force a deciding game three.

Melbourne fell behind 32-15 early in the second quarter of game three before its defence locked in, holding South East Melbourne to 42 points the rest of the night while scoring 69 themselves. Ili (0 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) contributed defensively, while Landale (27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) equalled his season-high while shooting 11-13 from the floor and 3/3 from beyond the arc, Goulding (14 points and 2 steals) played his 350th NBL game and McCarron (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) helped Melbourne win 84-74 and advance to the Grand Final. Te Rangi (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals), Creek (19 points and 9 rebounds) and Sykes (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Phoenix.

👀🏀

Watch all the best bits from @MelbUnitedHQ's win over the @SEMelbPhoenix all thanks to @HungryJacksAU 🙌#NBLFinals #NBL21 pic.twitter.com/nyg0geO1fX

— NBL (@NBL) June 15, 2021

Western Australia’s border restrictions meant Perth, despite being the lower seed, hosted the opening two games of the Grand Final series at RAC Arena, with the Wildcats without injured league MVP Bryce Cotton. Melbourne survived a late Perth comeback to win game one 73-70 as Ili (3 points and 1 rebound), Goulding (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals), Landale (17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and McCarron (6 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped United take the series lead, while Blanchfield (27 points and 7 rebounds), Kevin White (10 points and 5 rebounds) and Mooney (8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) led Perth.

Game two remained at RAC Arena, where Ili (4 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Goulding (21 points), Baba (15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Landale (12 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped Melbourne defeat Perth 83-74 and take a 2-0 series lead. Mooney (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Blanchfield (13 points and 8 rebounds), Norton (12 points) and Kevin White (12 points) led the Wildcats.

Melbourne returned home for game three in front of a sold-out crowd capped at 5,000 under COVID restrictions at John Cain Arena. Ili (5 points and 3 assists), Landale (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), Goulding (14 points and 4 rebounds) and Hopson (12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) helped United defeat Perth 81-76 to complete the 3-0 sweep, while Mooney (14 points and 13 rebounds), Kevin White (14 points) and Blanchfield (11 points and 11 rebounds) led the Wildcats as Melbourne claimed the franchise’s sixth championship and its second under the United branding. Landale was named Finals MVP.

2021/22
After winning the 2021 championship, Melbourne entered the new season without leading scorer Jock Landale (to San Antonio), starting point guard Mitch McCarron (to Adelaide) and import Scotty Hopson. Dean Vickerman retained Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and David Barlow, welcomed Jack White back after recovering from a ruptured Achilles and added Matthew Dellavedova (via Cleveland), Brad Newley (via Sydney), Dion Prewster (via Wellington), Caleb Agada (via Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Callum Dalton (via Brisbane) and Next Star Ariel Hukporti (via Lithuania).

Melbourne also re-signed Shea Ili for a further two seasons after he helped United win the championship, keeping the two-time NBL champion at the club through the end of the 2022/23 season.

Ili opened the season in the starting lineup at Qudos Bank Arena on December 5, finishing with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Lual-Acuil Jr (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Agada (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) led Melbourne, but Jaylen Adams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) helped Sydney win 79-74.

Ili (8.7 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals across 31 games) paired with Dellavedova to apply defensive pressure in Melbourne’s backcourt, while providing playmaking and improved perimeter shooting from the bench. Ili appeared in all 31 of Melbourne’s regular-season and playoff games and did not miss a game through injury, illness or COVID protocols. He came off the bench for 22 games before moving into the starting lineup during the final weeks of the season, starting Melbourne’s last three regular-season games and all three semifinals. United recovered from its 0-2 opening by winning its next eight games, went 5-1 during a January played entirely away from home and won four of five games in February to sit first with a 12-4 record.

Across a season full of highlights, perhaps no United player received more praise than Shea Ili. pic.twitter.com/4giF3QThxL

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) May 18, 2022

Ili’s best scoring game came in the Throwdown at John Cain Arena on March 13, where he scored 10 points during the fourth quarter and finished with 19 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals as Melbourne recovered from 12 points behind to defeat South East Melbourne 98-90. Dellavedova (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Goulding (16 points and 7 rebounds) helped United close the game on a 28-8 run and remain first on the ladder, while Mitch Creek (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Phoenix.

Ili produced one of his best defensive performances at RAC Arena on April 4, finishing with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals as Melbourne defeated Perth 84-75 and ended its two-game losing streak. Goulding (18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Dellavedova (17 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) supported Ili, while Bryce Cotton (18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Perth. Ili controlled the fourth quarter with his pressure on Cotton, deflections, drives and passing before making a three-point dagger with less than two minutes remaining.

Ili’s best all-round game came against Brisbane at John Cain Arena on April 16, where he finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block as Melbourne won 88-79 and improved to 19-7 with two regular-season games remaining. Lual-Acuil Jr (25 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) and Goulding (13 points and 4 rebounds) helped United move closer to securing first place, while Lamar Patterson (23 points and 10 rebounds) led Brisbane.

After Dalton (1.3 points across 6 games) suffered a season-ending ACL tear during training, Melbourne brought back Yudai Baba (3.9 points across 10 games; via Texas Legends) for the remainder of the season.

Lual-Acuil Jr (16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks across 30 games) led Melbourne in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots, finished third in league MVP voting, earned All-NBL First Team honours and was named United’s club MVP. Goulding (15.1 points across 28 games) and Dellavedova (10.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists across 30 games) were selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Agada (12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 29 games), White (9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds across 26 games) and Hukporti (6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 30 games) completed Melbourne’s main rotation. Ili won the NBL Best Sixth Man award with 59 votes, finished one vote short of the Defensive Player of the Year award and collected Melbourne’s Defensive Player of the Year and SHARE awards, becoming a two-time winner of the club honour.

Melbourne closed the regular season at MyState Bank Arena on April 23, where Ili (9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Agada (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Lual-Acuil Jr (12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led United, but MiKyle McIntosh (20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) helped Tasmania win 83-61. Melbourne finished first with a 20-8 record.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at John Cain Arena with a 74-63 win over Tasmania, taking control of the series behind Agada (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists), Lual-Acuil Jr (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks) and Dellavedova (11 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Ili (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) provided his usual defensive pressure. Adams (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Jack McVeigh (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Tasmania.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Goulding (18 points), Agada (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Lual-Acuil Jr (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) and Ili (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Melbourne, but McVeigh (15 points), McIntosh (13 points) and Josh Magette (12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals) helped Tasmania win 79-72 and force a deciding game.

Goulding injured his calf during warm-ups and was ruled out shortly before game three at John Cain Arena, leaving Ili (18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Lual-Acuil Jr (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and White (14 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 block) to lead Melbourne. Ili scored nine points during the opening quarter and repeatedly kept United within striking distance, but Adams (30 points), McVeigh (16 points) and Magette (9 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Tasmania as Melbourne made six of 29 three-pointers and the JackJumpers won 76-73.

2022/23
Melbourne entered NBL23 after finishing the previous regular season first with a 20-8 record before losing the deciding semifinal against Tasmania without injured captain Chris Goulding. Jo Lual-Acuil (to China), Caleb Agada, Jack White (to Denver) and Matthew Dellavedova (to Sacramento) exited, with White and Dellavedova receiving NBA opportunities despite being contracted and leaving coach Dean Vickerman scrambling for replacements late in the off-season. Goulding, Shea Ili, Ariel Hukporti and Brad Newley returned, while Isaac Humphries (via Adelaide), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (via Illawarra), Rayjon Tucker, Jordan Caroline (via Trento), Makuach Maluach (via Darwin) and development player Joshua Duach were added. David Barlow also reversed his retirement decision and returned to the playing roster.

After winning the NBL’s Best Sixth Man award and Melbourne’s Defensive Player of the Year and SHARE awards during the previous season, Ili signed a two-year contract extension on July 26, keeping him with United through the 2024/25 season. “We’ve found a home base here in Melbourne after leaving New Zealand. We can see ourselves being here for a long time,” he said. Goulding was later returned as captain through a players’ vote, with Ili named vice-captain.

Melbourne suffered another major setback when Hukporti ruptured his Achilles during the NBL Blitz and was ruled out for the season. Ili was also unavailable after taking an elbow during his first training session following an off-season FIBA qualifying trip with New Zealand. The resulting concussion caused persistent dizziness, with specialist testing later identifying damage to an inner-ear canal and a vestibular disorder that required targeted treatment.

Ili remained sidelined when Melbourne opened the season against New Zealand at John Cain Arena on October 2, where Rathan-Mayes (33 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Goulding (24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Tucker (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) led United to a 101-97 overtime victory, while Dererk Pardon (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was the Breakers’ best.

Ili (8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 14 games) missed Melbourne’s first seven games and was restricted to two playing stints during the season. His absence removed United’s strongest point-of-attack defender and one of its primary ball-handlers, forcing Rathan-Mayes into the starting lineup and Tucker to spend more time initiating the offence.

He returned against Perth at John Cain Arena on October 31, finishing with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in 12 minutes as Melbourne defeated the Wildcats 94-77. Rathan-Mayes (25 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals) and Tucker (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led United, while Bryce Cotton (19 points and 3 assists) was Perth’s leading scorer.

Ili appeared in three games before experiencing mild symptoms during the following FIBA window, leading Melbourne to place him into another conservative training block. He missed five more games as United fell into a five-game losing streak and dropped to 5-10. Caroline (5.5 points and 6.2 rebounds across 6 games; to Manresa) was also released after Hukporti’s injury changed Melbourne’s roster needs, with Marcus Lee (8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 17 games; via Manresa) signed to provide another recognised centre.

Ili’s best game came in his return against Brisbane at John Cain Arena on December 10, where he made four of five shots and finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 20 minutes as Melbourne ended its five-game losing streak with a 104-88 victory. Tucker (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists), Goulding (20 points, 3 assists, and 1 block) and Lee (18 points and 6 rebounds) led United, while Nathan Sobey (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) was Brisbane’s best. “I’m just super excited to be back with the boys, hopefully I can help out on court,” Ili said.

With Goulding unavailable through illness, Ili captained Melbourne in Australia’s first professional sporting fixture played on Christmas Day, finishing with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists as Sydney defeated United 101-80 before 7,012 fans at Qudos Bank Arena. Tucker (31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Humphries (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks) led Melbourne, while Xavier Cooks (24 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) was dominant for the Kings in a game watched by more than 300,000 television viewers.

Ili reached 200 NBL appearances during January and remained an important part of Melbourne’s late recovery before suffering another head knock against Adelaide on January 21. He finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists in 15 minutes before leaving the game, while Goulding (28 points), Tucker (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Rathan-Mayes (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) led United to a 94-87 victory. Robert Franks (24 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks) was Adelaide’s best, but Ili experienced concussion symptoms following the collision and did not play again.

Dean Vickerman and Chris Goulding provide an update on Shea Ili’s condition after he left tonight’s game due to a head knock pic.twitter.com/0xaEp51CYF

— NBL (@NBL) January 21, 2023

Tucker (18.1 points and 6.1 rebounds across 28 games) and Goulding (17.1 points across 27 games) led Melbourne offensively, while Rathan-Mayes (14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 28 games), Humphries (9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 23 games), Lee and Mason Peatling (5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 18 games) were the other major contributors. Goulding received All-NBL Second Team honours and Melbourne’s Most Valuable Player award, while Lee was named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year. Humphries also publicly came out as gay during the season, with Melbourne helping introduce the NBL’s inaugural Champion Pride Round.

Melbourne won 10 of its final 13 games despite Ili missing the final two fixtures, but became the first United team coached by Vickerman to finish outside the league’s top five for defensive rating. Melbourne entered its final game needing to defeat Adelaide and receive a favourable result from Sydney’s game against Perth to qualify for the play-in tournament. Tucker (31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block), Goulding (23 points and 2 steals) and Rathan-Mayes (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) led United to a 116-107 victory over the 36ers before 10,175 fans at John Cain Arena, while Antonius Cleveland (30 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Adelaide’s best. Perth then defeated Sydney 96-84 to claim sixth place on points percentage, leaving Melbourne seventh with a 15-13 record.

2023/24
Melbourne entered NBL24 after winning 11 of its final 14 games the previous season but finishing seventh at 15-13 and missing the postseason on percentage. Isaac Humphries (to Adelaide), Mason Peatling (to Illawarra), David Okwera (to Perth), Makuach Maluach (to Sydney), Marcus Lee (to Tasmania), Lachlan Barker (to Tasmania), Rayjon Tucker (to Italy), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (to Turkey) and David Barlow (retired) departed, while Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Ariel Hukporti and Brad Newley returned. Coach Dean Vickerman brought Matthew Dellavedova (via Sacramento) and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (via China) back to Melbourne while adding Ian Clark (via Adelaide), Luke Travers (via Perth), Tanner Krebs (via Brisbane), Flynn Cameron (via UC Riverside) and Kyle Bowen (via Saint Mary’s).

After concussion problems restricted him to 14 games the previous season, Ili entered the first year of the two-year extension he had signed in July 2022, keeping him with United through the end of NBL25.

“We’ve found a home base here in Melbourne after leaving New Zealand. We can see ourselves being here for a long time. We love the club, being a part of the boys, it’s a great group, and a great environment to be around,” Ili said.

A wrist injury suffered by Lual-Acuil Jr before the season led to Rob Loe (via New Zealand) signing as an injury replacement, while Hukporti moved into the starting line-up.

Melbourne opened the season against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on September 28, where Ili (8 points and 5 rebounds) helped United defeat the Phoenix 82-67. Travers (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Dellavedova (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne, while Ben Ayre (17 points and 2 rebounds) was South East Melbourne’s leading scorer.

Ili (10.7 points and 3.7 assists across 34 games) shared Melbourne’s backcourt duties with Dellavedova and was regularly assigned to the opposition’s most dangerous guard. His pressure around ball screens allowed United’s big men to remain closer to the basket, while his speed and ability to attack the paint gave the team another way to create shots.

Ili produced his first major scoring game against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on October 29, finishing with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals while making all seven of his free throws as Melbourne defeated the Hawks 96-84 for its sixth consecutive win. Goulding (33 points and 3 rebounds) and Krebs (14 points and 4 assists) provided support, while Gary Clark (24 points and 2 steals) led Illawarra.

Ili’s best regular-season game came against Sydney at John Cain Arena on November 19, where Ili (12 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) helped Melbourne recover from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Kings 105-93. Goulding (35 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) and Travers (18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led United through a 40-point final quarter, while DJ Hogg (20 points and 6 rebounds) was Sydney’s best.

His best regular-season scoring game came at Qudos Bank Arena on January 4, where Ili (19 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 steal) made 6-of-9 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws as Melbourne defeated Sydney 101-85 and improved to 15-4. Dellavedova (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Goulding (16 points and 3 rebounds) helped United control the game, while Shaun Bruce (16 points and 5 assists) led the Kings. A concussion then sidelined Ili for two games before he returned against Brisbane on January 26.

Melbourne closed the regular season against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on February 18, where Ili (9 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) helped United defeat the Hawks 92-87. Goulding (19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Dellavedova (17 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne, while Justin Robinson (14 points and 5 assists) was Illawarra’s leading scorer. United finished first with a 20-8 record, three wins clear of the competition after sitting on top of the ladder for 19 of the season’s 20 rounds.

Goulding (16.9 points across 36 games) and Lual-Acuil Jr (14.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 29 games) were Melbourne’s two leading scorers, while Clark (13.6 points across 30 games), Dellavedova (12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 30 games), Travers (12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 33 games), Hukporti (7.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 36 games), Loe (5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 8 games) and Krebs (5.3 points across 36 games) completed the main rotation.

Ili’s point-of-attack pressure helped Melbourne hold its opponents to the league’s lowest field-goal percentage, with Vickerman describing his effect on opposition guards by saying, “He wears people down.” Ili won his first Damian Martin Trophy as the NBL’s Best Defensive Player, while Goulding earned All-NBL First Team honours, Lual-Acuil Jr was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, Clark received Best Sixth Man and Vickerman was named Coach of the Year.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at John Cain Arena and recovered from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Illawarra 115-106 in overtime. Ili (13 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) helped increase United’s defensive pressure during the comeback, while Dellavedova (30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals), Travers (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Goulding (18 points and 3 rebounds) led Melbourne. Froling (26 points and 5 rebounds), Gary Clark (22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Harvey (15 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) were Illawarra’s best.

Game two moved to the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Ili (12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal), Dellavedova (20 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals), Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points and 7 rebounds) and Clark (17 points and 3 rebounds) led Melbourne. Gary Clark (31 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (23 points and 2 steals), Froling (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Hickey (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) carried Illawarra, with Hickey’s putback at the regulation buzzer forcing overtime before the Hawks won 113-108.

The series returned to John Cain Arena for game three, where Ili produced his highest-scoring game of the season, finishing with 22 points and 3 rebounds as Melbourne defeated Illawarra 100-94. Travers (15 points and 11 rebounds), Clark (14 points) and Goulding (14 points and 1 block) provided support, while Froling (23 points and 4 rebounds), Robinson (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Gary Clark (14 points and 6 rebounds) led the Hawks before United advanced to the Grand Final series.

Melbourne opened the Grand Final at John Cain Arena, where Ili (8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) helped United’s defensive pressure break the game open during a 104-81 victory. Goulding (22 points and 4 rebounds), Lual-Acuil Jr (20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Clark (18 points and 6 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Anthony Drmic (18 points), Milton Doyle (16 points and 8 rebounds) and Jack McVeigh (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) were Tasmania’s best.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Ili (20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 8-of-12 field goals and led Melbourne’s scoring. Goulding (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Lual-Acuil Jr (9 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) helped United build a 15-point third-quarter lead, but McVeigh (16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Doyle (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists), Jordon Crawford (13 points and 4 assists) and Sean Macdonald (13 points) led Tasmania’s comeback. Ili, Lual-Acuil Jr and Clark all fouled out before the JackJumpers won 82-77 and levelled the series.

Game three returned to John Cain Arena, where Ili (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal), Dellavedova (21 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Goulding (17 points and 4 rebounds) and Travers (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks) led Melbourne. McVeigh (18 points and 12 rebounds), Majok Deng (15 points and 1 block), Doyle (14 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Crawford (14 points) kept Tasmania close before Doyle saved a deflected inbound pass and McVeigh made a long three-pointer from beyond half-court at the buzzer, giving the JackJumpers a 93-91 win and a 2-1 series lead.

Game four remained at MyState Bank Arena, where Ili (6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal), Clark (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block), Travers (17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks), Goulding (17 points) and Dellavedova (15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne. McVeigh (28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals), Doyle (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), Macdonald (14 points) and Crawford (14 points) led Tasmania before Dellavedova made the go-ahead lay-up and United held on for an 88-86 win to force a deciding game.

Game five returned to John Cain Arena, where Crawford (32 points and 6 rebounds) scored 19 points during the opening quarter and received support from McVeigh (14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block), Will Magnay (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Doyle (11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals) as Tasmania won 83-81 and secured its first championship. Lual-Acuil Jr (14 points and 6 rebounds), Travers (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Dellavedova (13 points and 7 assists) and Goulding (13 points, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Melbourne, with McVeigh named Grand Final MVP. Ili (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) played 29:25 in the loss.

2024/25
Melbourne were forced to rebuild their frontcourt after losing Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (to China), Luke Travers (to Cleveland Cavaliers), Ariel Hukporti (to New York Knicks), and Brad Newley (retired) from the side that had come within one win of a championship the year prior.

Jack White (via Denver Nuggets) returned for a second stint with the club, to cover Traver’s NBA exit and import Marcus Lee (via Tasmania) was recruited to help replace Lual-Acuil’s interior presence and rim protection.

Coach Dean Vickerman again built around the returning core of Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, and Shea Ili, with Ian Clark, Robert Loe, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs, and Kyle Bowen also returning to round out the rotation.

Ili paired with Dellavedova to run the team offence and apply defensive pressure to opposition guards. United opened the season at HoopsFest with an 88–79 win over Tasmania as Matthew Dellavedova (21 points) led the scoring, Shea Ili (14 points, and 2 steals) set the tone defensively, and Jack White (14 points, and 7 rebounds) made an immediate impact, while Milton Doyle (23 points) paced the JackJumpers in defeat.

That opening result set the tone for an early stretch where Melbourne stacked wins and stayed locked into the top end of the ladder.

Ili (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists) produced one of his most complete all-round performances of the regular season, securing a early road win over Perth. Ian Clark (25 points) finished as the game high scorer, many of his baskets coming from Ili’s finely timed passes.

In November, when Goulding exploded for 46 points in a win against Perth (106-97), Ili (5 points) and his impact showed in the box score as he finished with 7 assists, most of those going to Goulding, as well as 5 rebounds and 5 steals.

Another strong performance came during a loss to Brisbane on December 8 (114-122), United were missing star Chris Goulding and in his absence would see Ili (18 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) step up and deliver one of his best games of the season. The following week, against South East Melbourne, Ili (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) blended creation with on-ball pressure as United continued stacking wins through the middle of the schedule.

His best scoring games came in Sydney on January 9 when he poured in (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and against Tasmania on February 1, where Ili (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) steered United to a two point victory (94-92) just before heading into the playoffs.

Ili (11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 26 games), would complement leading scorers Goulding (18.4 points, and 2 rebounds), White (13.8 points, and 9.4 rebounds) and Clark (12.7 points) with his passing, while pairing with Dellavedova (10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists), to create the most formidable defensive backcourt in the league.

United finished the regular season in second place (19–10), setting up a semi-final series against Perth.

Melbourne opened the semi-final series at home with a 105–93 win as Chris Goulding (41 points) drove the scoring, Jack White (13 points, and 10 rebounds) controlled the glass, Matthew Dellavedova (6 points, and 9 assists) ran the offence, and Shea Ili (3 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) kept the ball moving, while Keanu Pinder (24 points) led Perth in defeat.

Perth levelled the match-up in Game 2 with a 96–89 win as Dylan Windler (27 points, and 11 rebounds), Bryce Cotton (18 points), and Kristian Doolittle (17 points, and 9 rebounds) swung the series back, while Melbourne’s response featured Dellavedova (13 points, and 12 assists), White (13 points, and 6 rebounds), Goulding (15 points), and Ili (8 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists).

Game 3 went to the wire and Melbourne advanced with a 113–112 win as Ian Clark (38 points) and Chris Goulding (30 points) carried the offence, with Dellavedova (10 points, and 11 assists) and White (15 points, and 9 rebounds) helping steady the finish as Ili (5 points, and 2 steals) battled through the decider against Perth’s late push led by Bryce Cotton (29 points) and Dylan Windler (25 points, and 10 rebounds).

In the Championship Series against Illawarra, Melbourne overturned a 10-point half-time deficit in Game 1 to win 96–88 as Dellavedova (18 points), Goulding (15 points), Marcus Lee (14 points), and Ili (13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) powered the second half, while Sam Froling (16 points), Will Hickey (14 points), and Todd Blanchfield (13 points) led the Hawks in defeat.

Illawarra squared the series in Game 2 with a 102–100 win as Tyler Harvey (24 points), Froling (23 points), and Trey Kell (18 points) kept the Hawks on the front foot, while Ian Clark (31 points), Goulding (17 points), and Dellavedova (14 points) kept United within one possession and Ili (4 rebounds, and 2 assists) was held scoreless on the night.

Melbourne moved within one win of the title in Game 3 with an 83–77 victory behind White (20 points), Dellavedova (16 points), Clark (16 points), and Goulding (14 points), while Ili did not play as Hyunjung Lee (12 points), Hickey (12 points), and Darius Days (11 points) led Illawarra in Wollongong.

Illawarra extended the series in Game 4 with an 80–71 win as Hickey (22 points), Lachlan Olbrich (13 points), and Harvey (12 points) carried the Hawks, with Froling leaving early with a calf injury and not returning for the remainder of the series, while Goulding (17 points), Dellavedova (17 points), Clark (16 points), and White (6 points, and 4 rebounds) led Melbourne and Ili again did not play.

Game 5 decided the championship and Illawarra closed the series with a 114–104 win as Kell (26 points), Hickey (21 points), and Harvey (16 points) led the Hawks to their second NBL championship, while Ili returned and finished with (20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals) alongside Goulding (21 points) and White (17 points, and 7 rebounds) as Melbourne finished NBL25 runners-up after dropping the series 3–2.

2025/26
After falling one win short of the championship for the second consecutive year, Melbourne reworked its roster around captain Chris Goulding and vice-captains Shea Ili and Kyle Bowen. Matthew Dellavedova (to Sydney), Flynn Cameron (to Adelaide), Akech Aliir (to South East Melbourne), Rob Loe (to New Zealand), Marcus Lee (to Cairns), Jack White (to Turkey), Ian Clark and Joel Foxwell (to NCAA) exited, while coach Dean Vickerman recruited Milton Doyle (via Tasmania), Finn Delany (via Japan), Fabijan Krslovic (via Tasmania), Tyson Walker (via Texas Legends), Jesse Edwards (via Iowa Wolves), Tom Wilson (via Melbourne Tigers) and Next Star Dash Daniels (via Centre of Excellence).

Melbourne opened the season in Hobart on September 18, where Ili (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) came off the bench and helped United defeat Tasmania 88-84, with Doyle (22 points) and Walker (14 points and 3 steals) leading the scoring, while Bryce Hamilton (24 points) was Tasmania’s best.

Ili (7.3 points and 3.1 assists across 12 games) remained Melbourne’s best defensive guard when available, but his season became a stop-start run through repeated hamstring injuries. His best playmaking game came against New Zealand on September 21, where Ili (7 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals) helped Melbourne defeat the Breakers 114-82, with Edwards (22 points and 6 rebounds) and Krebs (16 points) providing support, while Izaiah Brockington (21 points and 6 rebounds) led New Zealand.

Ili stayed in the starting group against South East Melbourne on September 25, finishing with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists as Melbourne defeated the Phoenix 103-83, with Doyle (18 points) and Walker (13 points and 8 assists) leading United, while Nathan Sobey (26 points) was South East Melbourne’s best.

After sustaining a right hamstring injury during Melbourne’s NBAxNBL exhibition against New Orleans, Ili missed nine games before returning against Brisbane on November 15, where Ili (10 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped United hold off the Bullets 99-93, with Doyle (28 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Edwards (14 points) leading Melbourne, while Mitch Norton (19 points) was Brisbane’s leading scorer.

A left hamstring injury at training sidelined Ili again before he returned in Adelaide on December 12, where his best scoring game came as Ili (13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) helped Melbourne erase an 18-point deficit before falling to the 36ers 114-105 in overtime, with Goulding (24 points) and Delany (20 points and 9 rebounds) leading United, while Bryce Cotton (33 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists) led Adelaide.

Six days later, Ili (7 points) lasted only 8:12 against Illawarra before another hamstring setback, but Melbourne snapped a four-game losing streak with a 97-75 win behind Walker (21 points and 10 assists) and Delany (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), while JaVale McGee (18 points and 10 rebounds) and Tyler Harvey (18 points) were Illawarra’s best.

Ili returned again on January 30 in New Zealand, finishing with 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists as Melbourne lost 97-95 to the Breakers, with Edwards (23 points and 14 rebounds) and Goulding (16 points) leading United, while Karim Lopez (32 points and 8 rebounds) was New Zealand’s best.

His final regular-season appearance came in Cairns on February 12, where Ili (8 points) played only 6:53 and suffered another left hamstring injury as Melbourne defeated the Taipans 89-85, with Doyle (25 points) and Walker (17 points and 3 steals) leading United, while Jack McVeigh (25 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Cairns’ best.

Doyle (16 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists) led Melbourne in scoring and shared the backcourt load with Walker (14.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals), while Edwards (13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds) anchored the interior and won the club MVP award. Goulding (12.8 points) remained the team’s main shooter, while Delany (11.4 points and 5.5 rebounds), Krebs (7.9 points and 3.3 rebounds) and Ili were the other main contributors as Melbourne won its first nine games before sliding to fifth with a 20-13 record.

Melbourne hosted Tasmania in the Play-In Qualifier at John Cain Arena, where Ili (2 points) returned to the rotation as United defeated the JackJumpers 82-68 behind Delany (33 points and 6 rebounds), Doyle (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Krebs (11 points), while Nick Marshall (20 points and 6 rebounds), Josh Bannan (16 points and 5 rebounds) and David Johnson (16 points) led Tasmania.

The Play-In Game moved to RAC Arena, where Perth ended Melbourne’s season 95-77 behind Lual-Acuil Jr (28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks), Doolittle (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Windler (18 points and 9 rebounds), while Doyle (13 points), Walker (12 points) and Edwards (12 points and 8 rebounds) led United, and Ili (2 points) played 4:47 in the 95-77 loss.

Shea Ili currently plays for the Melbourne United and has played 283 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists since entering the league in 2014.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Melbourne United – 3 Year Deal (2022-25)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Across a season full of highlights, perhaps no United player received more praise than Shea Ili.
Averaging a career best in assists, shooting the ball at an elite level & hounding players with his defence, Ili said NBL22 was a campaign to remember.

More: https://t.co/rDMzckHLls pic.twitter.com/4giF3QThxL

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) May 18, 2022