Photos: Melbourne United Media

Next Star Ariel Hukporti is one step closer to an NBL return, ramping up his rehabilitation from an achilles injury with a full-contact game play session on Wednesday.

Melbourne United’s website reported the big man "showcased his elite athleticism and defence", playing alongside fellow rostered players Zac Triplett, Brad Newley and Campbell Blogg, as well as several NBL1 talents.

It’s been close to nine months since Hukporti tore his achilles during the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz in Darwin. 

“In his workouts, he’s playing fearlessly… there’s nothing holding him back,” United coach Dean Vickerman said. 

“That’s a big part about coming back from injury, just being able to trust your body enough to do everything without fear and I think he did that. He tried to dunk everything he possibly could, he dove on loose balls, he was fearless.”

Hukporti has a bright future at just 21 years of age, having averaged 6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game across his debut season, in NBL22. 

“There’s always the hope that after an injury like he had that you’ll be able to get back to a level that’s the same or better than before,” Vickerman added. 

“He’s (Hukporti) done all the work to get himself to where he is now, and now he’s telling me ‘I’m jumping way higher and I feel way stronger than ever.’

“That’s something that makes you smile.”

Melbourne tips off its NBL24 campaign against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on September 28.