Hukporti Sidelined For NBL23

Melbourne United has confirmed Next Star Ariel Hukporti will miss the entirety of the 2022/2023 Hungry Jack's NBL Season, after he ruptured his achilles tendon.

The United big man fell to the ground awkwardly during United's clash against Perth at the Blitz in Darwin, and had to be helped from the court by the team's medical staff.

It's a cruel blow for Hukporti, who looked destined for the NBA, on the back of a strong rookie season and the possibility of further growth in NBL23. 

"We’re hurting as a club because of the love we have for Ariel and how much he means to us, not just as an athlete, but as a great person,” United coach Dean Vickerman said. 

“We’ll be here for him every step of the recovery process and will fully support Ariel with anything he needs during the rehab."

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger expressed his well wishes to Hukporti. 

“We are devastated for Ariel and wish him a speedy and successful recovery. Ariel is young, strong and supremely talented and will bounce back from this latest setback.”

United will play their final game of the Blitz on Friday evening against the Brisbane Bullets, before opening the season against the New Zealand Breakers on October 2.