Ariel Hukporti
Melbourne United

Height

213

CM

Weight

113

KG

D.O.B

12/4/02

Ariel

Hukporti

Ariel

Hukporti

Ariel

Hukporti

Ariel

Hukporti

Bio

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UPDATE: Hukporti has the chance to live his NBA dream, after being selected with the final pick at the 2024 NBA Draft and heading to the New York Knicks.

Ariel Hukporti entered the NBL24 season as the only known quantity in this class of Next Stars, but put his severe Achilles injury behind him to explode onto the scene.

The German-Togolese centre utilised his time on the sidelines last season to become the physically strongest player on Melbourne's roster, and formed an intimidating partnership at the center position with Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.

Photos: Getty Images

"Ariel has unfinished business. We are super excited to see him back out on the court and I’m sure he’s going to remind us all very quickly why he’s so highly regarded … the way he conducted himself throughout his rehabilitation – staying in Melbourne to encourage and support his teammates through the season – was exemplary and speaks to the kind of person he is."

Jeremy Loeliger
NBL Commissioner

"Ariel is a special talent and we're all excited to see him on the floor for United again next season.  He showed that he can be an elite player of the defensive end of the floor, and we're confident he'll be able to do the same in NBL24."

Dean Vickerman
Melbourne United coach

"Towards the back end of his first year at Melbourne United, he was becoming quite the weapon and something you had to plan around – his ability to catch the ball, finish above the rim, his shot-blocking ability, his robust athleticism, and he’s starting to develop – it may not be the prettiest jump shot – but a little seven-footer that, whilst it may not pass the eye test, you find yourself pulling out of the net."

Andrew Gaze
NBL legend

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Videos

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