Melbourne United Next Star Ariel Hukporti has been selected with pick 58 at the 2024 NBA Draft.

Hukporti was drafted to the Dallas Mavericks, after an impressive NBL24 campaign, with his rights reportedly on-traded to the New York Knicks.

The 22-year-old averaged 8.4 points, 1.5 blocks and seven rebounds a game in his most recent season at United, excelling alongside fellow big Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. 

He spent three seasons in Melbourne part of the NBL's Next Stars program.

Name: Ariel Hukporti
Position: C
Height: 7'0
Weight: 113 kg
Age: 22
Born: Germany

A mobile center who runs the floor, blocks shots and finishes above the rim.

The athletic Hukporti has drawn comparisons to Miami's Thomas Bryant. Each are known for their interior presence around the basket at both ends of the court. 

Thomas Bryant.

Averages: 7.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Season highlight: Round 4 vs Illawarra - 21 PTS (6-7 FG), 10 REB, 1 BLK, 1 STL

Hukporti is a defensive athletic big who feeds off offensive rebounds, alley-oops and pick and roll play. Defensively he blocks shots and protects the rim at a high quality level.

Hukporti already has a number of years of experience as a pro which would fill any team with more confidence about his ability to adapt to new situations and find his role.

“He showed that he can be an elite player at the defensive end of the floor." - Dean Vickerman (Melbourne United Head Coach)

“His ability to catch the ball, finish above the rim, his shot-blocking ability, his robust athleticism, and he’s starting to develop.” - Andrew Gaze (NBL Legend)