Ariel Hukporti is currently the longest-tenured Next Star in the history of the program, and the German NBA Draft hopeful has issued some words of advice to any other Europeans who are eyeing the NBL off as a development pathway.

NBL24 has been Hukporti’s third season tied to Melbourne United, but only his second on the court after a ruptured Achilles in the NBL23 pre-season put paid to any hopes of hitting the court that campaign.

He’s starred for Untied in tandem with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr this season, much like Lual-Acuil Jr did with Jock Landale in United’s most recent title back in NBL21.

“For guys who might be thinking about coming over here, it really depends on their situation,” Hukporti told News Corp. “But if he’s from Europe like me, I would say it’s really good because you can prepare yourself by being by yourself for a long time.

“The talent here too is higher than you might expect, and the game out here is different, so sometimes you’re going to play a lot as a young guy, sometimes you’re not and you will think stuff is unfair but it teaches you resilience and to deal with those things.

“It’s quite funny to see how all the people come in from all over the world and just enjoy themselves in Australia and the Next Stars program.”

Read the full story here >> NBL Next Stars: Ariel Hukporti on how the league’s brightest young talents converged on Australia with a common dream.