Teenage Melbourne United sensation Ariel Hukporti is still getting used to the attention.
The 19-year-old admits he isn’t a big fan of getting behind the mic but, with NBA scouts salivating over his improving game, a little sage advice from United chief executive Nick Truelson has helped him embrace the challenge.
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Truelson encouraged the shy German Next Star to use the NBL to develop both his game and his public speaking skills and, after stepping into the United starting five for MVP candidate Jo Lual-Acuil, he fronted the post-match press conference with coach Dean Vickerman.
He has also taken the mic after a Melbourne United home game and spoke on the broadcast at halftime of the win over Cairns.
The 213cm giant’s game has developed rapidly since he joined United and his body has physically changed, making him one of the more mobile bigs in the league.
He usually comes off the bench but, with Lual-Acuil awaiting the birth of his second child, Hukporti seized his chance to step into the starting five with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks — even if he did get in early foul trouble.
“It’s definitely good to play in the starting five to play with Chris (Goulding) Delly (Matthew Dellavedova), Caleb (Agada),” Hukporti said after the game.
“I learned a lot from Jo, so before we left he told me to stay solid, don’t get in foul trouble, but I did again but it’s good, it was a good experience.”
He’s toeing Big Jo’s line on responses about his personal performances, too, deferring to his teammates.
“I just try to help the team. It’s not just an individual moment, it’s a team effort, especially when you play a team like that. We just stick together defensively and offensively,” he said.
And what did he think of his first trip to Cairns?
“It’s a little hot, but I enjoyed it.”
United, now 12-4 atop the NBL ladder, flew home straight after Sunday’s game and, while Vickerman hopes Lual-Acuil’s baby boy arrives in the next few days, he’s pleased the team wilxjmtzywl have almost a full week to prepare for its next clash with the Bullets. The only downer is a foot injury to forward David Barlow, who will be sent for scans.
