Jump to content

Shea Ili

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by DaHuzyBru (talk | contribs) at 08:56, 6 September 2022 (2022 NBL1 awards https://www.facebook.com/TheNBL/posts/pfbid0J2bbq69uj6Vb7qAHJMMVN4sAoYq7eyn4aiwxRkh4ZXuHV2LosvrFNmqdkcVqXbMWl). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Shea Ili
No. 51 – Melbourne United
PositionPoint guard
LeagueNBL
Personal information
Born (1992-10-06) 6 October 1992 (age 32)
Auckland, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand
Listed height184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Listed weight87 kg (192 lb)
Career information
High schoolOnehunga
(Auckland, New Zealand)
Playing career2012–present
Career history
2012Auckland Pirates
2013Super City Rangers
2014–2015Southland Sharks
2014–2019New Zealand Breakers
2016–2019Wellington Saints
2019–presentMelbourne United
2021Geelong Supercats
2022Sandringham Sabres
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Representing  New Zealand
Men's Basketball
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal – third place 2018 Gold Coast Team competition

Shea Ili (born 6 October 1992) is a New Zealand professional basketball player for Melbourne United of the National Basketball League (NBL). Ili was raised in Mangere Bridge, playing his basketball at Onehunga High School and appearing for Counties Manukau in rep teams before appearing in the New Zealand NBL with the Auckland Pirates in 2012. In 2014, he joined the New Zealand Breakers as a development player. That season, he was a member of the Breakers' championship-winning team. In 2016, he was elevated to the Breakers' full-time roster, and in February 2018, he was named the NBL Most Improved Player for the 2017–18 season.

In 2015, Ili helped the Southland Sharks win the New Zealand NBL championship before joining the Wellington Saints in 2016 and earning Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard honours. He also garnered his second straight championship. He re-joined the Saints in 2017, and behind a Finals MVP performance, guided the Saints to another championship to garner a personal three-peat. In 2018, he won the New Zealand NBL Most Valuable Player Award and guided the Saints to a fourth straight grand final appearance.

In 2019, Ili made the switch from the Breakers to Melbourne United. With the Saints that same year, he won his fifth New Zealand NBL championship. In 2021, he won his second Australian NBL championship as a member of Melbourne United.

Early life and career

Ili was born in Auckland and raised in the suburb of Mangere Bridge.[1][2] He attended Onehunga High School, where he was not only a member of the basketball team, but was also a talented rugby player. As a halfback, he progressed to the Auckland under-21 team, but his rugby ambitions were put to aside because of his basketball commitments.[3]

As a youth, Ili competed for Counties Manukau Basketball Association rep teams. In 2011, he was named in the U21 Men's National Championship Tournament Team;[4] in 2013, he was named in the U23 Men's National Championship Tournament Team;[5] and in 2014, he helped Counties Manukau win the U23 Men's National Championship title while being named in the Tournament Team.[6]

Professional career

Early years in the NZNBL (2012–2013)

Ili made his debut in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) as a 19-year-old with the Auckland Pirates in 2012. He appeared in four games for the Pirates that year and was a member of their championship-winning squad. The Pirates folded following the 2012 season, which resulted in Ili joining the Super City Rangers for the 2013 season. He was one of the Rangers' standouts in 2013 despite them just winning just two games.[3] He appeared in 15 games for the Rangers that year, averaging 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.[7]

Marred stint with the Southland Sharks (2014)

In December 2013, Ili made the move down south as he signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2014 season.[8] The lure of playing alongside experienced guards Luke Martin and Kevin Braswell at the Sharks was enough for Ili to put pen to paper.[3] It took some time for Ili to adjust to the quieter lifestyle of Invercargill, and he said his main focus during his time in the south was to work hard and get better.[3] However, he appeared in just 10 games for the Sharks in 2014 after he was suspended indefinitely by the team in late May following a fight outside a bar in New Plymouth that he and teammates Reuben Te Rangi and Leon Henry were involved in.[9] The trio were stood down by the team for the second half of the season, and in June, all three pleaded guilty to attacking bar staff. Ili pleaded guilty to two charges: common assault and assault with intent to injure.[10][11] In August, Henry and Ili agreed to carry out clinics in Taranaki to assist young basketballers, to help make good the damage they caused to the community. Neither wanted a discharge without conviction. Ili received a four-month sentence of community detention and was ordered to pay reparation of $750 to one victim and $500 to the other.[12]

New Zealand Breakers and continued uprise in the NZNBL (2014–2019)

First season with the Breakers (2014–15)

Despite a tumultuous three months for Ili, on 15 August 2014, he was announced as a development player signing by the New Zealand Breakers for the 2014–15 NBL season.[13] A former Breakers Academy player in 2011, Ili was highly rated by the Breakers for his athleticism, work rate and attitude.[13] Three months later, on 24 November 2014, Ili re-signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2015 season. Keen to make amends, Ili welcomed a return to Southland. Southland Sharks general manager Jill Bolger acknowledged that the off-field incident was a blow to the franchise but was still keen to have Ili back in 2015.[14]

Ili was an active member of the Breakers roster for eight games during the 2014–15 season and made five appearances.[15] On 8 March 2015, he became a championship-winning player with the Breakers after they defeated the Cairns Taipans in Game 2 of the NBL Grand Final series, thus sweeping the best-of-three series.[16]

Second season with the Sharks (2015)

With the Southland Sharks in 2015, Ili began to demonstrate his athletic prowess. His energy and growing skill set complemented the talents of teammates Todd Blanchfield, Kevin Braswell and Tai Wesley. Sharks coach Paul Henare made it clear that Ili starting to stamp his mark on the New Zealand competition was no fluke considering his work ethic, which included his time working with the Breakers during the 2014–15 Australian NBL season.[17] On 19 June 2015, Ili scored a career-high 24 points off the bench in a 101–91 win over the Manawatu Jets.[18] The Sharks dominated the league in 2015, finishing the regular season on a 14-game win streak to claim their first minor premiership with a 15–3 record. The Sharks won through to the NZNBL Grand Final, where they defeated the Wellington Saints 72–68 to win their second championship in three years.[19] Ili appeared in all 20 games for the Sharks in 2015, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.[7]

Second season with the Breakers (2015–16)

Heading into the 2015–16 NBL season, the Breakers were without star guard Corey Webster, who was in the United States chasing an NBA contract. As a result, Ili, a designated development player, stepped into the backcourt rotation where hopes were high the 22-year-old could transform his aggression and athleticism into something effective at NBL level.[20] Ili was given minutes on a regular basis for the Breakers towards the end of the season, including during the playoffs.[21] In 20 games for the Breakers in 2015–16, he averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

First season with the Saints (2016)

On 25 February 2016, Ili signed with the Wellington Saints for the 2016 season, joining Tai Wesley in a move up north.[22] On 22 May 2016, Ili scored a career-high 28 points in the Saints' 78–75 loss to the Southland Sharks.[23] Six days later, Ili was the best performer for the Saints in their 96–83 win over the Nelson Giants, scoring a game-high 25 points in another promising showing.[24] The Saints finished the regular season in second place with a 13–5 record, and won through to the NZNBL Grand Final, where they defeated the Super City Rangers 94–82.[25] Ili appeared in 19 games for the Saints in 2016, averaging career highs in points (14.8) and assists (5.5), to go with 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals.[7] He missed one game during the season to attend his own wedding.[26] He was honoured at the season's end with the John Macdonald Trophy for being named the Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard.[27]

Third season with the Breakers (2016–17)

On 27 April 2016, Ili signed a full-time contract with the Breakers.[1][21] However, he was an early casualty as the Breakers launched their pre-season due to a stress fracture in his back that ruled him out for at least six weeks.[28] Ili picked up the injury while playing for the Saints, though played a full part in the Tall Blacks' Olympic qualifying programme. Only after commencing preparations for the new Australian NBL season was the full extent of the problem discovered.[29] The Breakers wasted no time bringing in a short-term replacement for Ili, with Australian Isaih Tueta joining the squad in mid-September ahead of the 2016–17 NBL season.[30] After spending three months on the sidelines, Ili was reactivated in late November and made his debut as a fully contracted roster player in Cairns against the Taipans.[31] After making the grand final in 2016, the Breakers missed the playoffs in 2017 with a 14–14 record. Ili appeared in 17 games for the Breakers in 2016–17, averaging 4.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Second season with the Saints (2017)

Ili returned to the Saints in 2017 for another run at a title.[32] He was a dominant force in his second season as a Saint, highlighted by his pass-first nature to his free-scoring teammates. On 6 April 2017, Ili didn't put a shot up from the field in his side's 100–87 win over the Taranaki Mountainairs, scoring one point from a free-throw in 19 minutes, but he managed 10 assists and turned the ball over just once. With characteristic humbleness, Ili said after the game that his job was made a lot easier by the talented players around him, such as his backcourt starting partner Corey Webster.[33] Throughout April, Ili continued his maturation into the league's best local point guard. On 17 April, he had 22 points and 15 assists in a 102–79 win over the Canterbury Rams.[34] Eight days later, he had 27 points, 10 assists and six steals in a 110–84 win over the Nelson Giants.[35] On 19 May, he scored a career-high 30 points in a 109–94 win over the Southland Sharks.[36] He guided the Saints to a perfect 18–0 regular season and helped them earn another grand final appearance. In the NZNBL championship decider on 17 June, Ili set a new career high with 31 points in the Saints' 108–75 rout of the Sharks. The win saw the Saints collect their 10th NBL Championship,[37] with Ili winning his third straight NZNBL title. The Saints became the first team to complete an unbeaten season, capping off a perfect 20–0 campaign with their grand final win over Southland. Ili's 31-point effort earned him Finals MVP honours.[38] He also picked up All-Star Five honours in the end-of-season awards.[37] For the season, he averaged career highs with 16.1 points, 6.5 assists and 2.3 steals, to go with 4.2 rebounds while appearing in all 20 games.[7]

Fourth season with the Breakers (2017–18)

Early on in the 2017–18 season, Ili built a reputation as a potential breakout star, with many tipping him to earn most improved honours.[39] His early season form off the bench resulted in a career-high 23 points on 26 October 2017 in a 101–96 win over the Brisbane Bullets.[40] His next best performance came on 4 February 2018, scoring 17 points in an 88–84 finals-clinching win over the Illawarra Hawks.[41] The Breakers finished the regular season in fourth place with a 15–13 record. On the eve of the Breakers' finals campaign, Ili was named the NBL Most Improved Player for the 2017–18 season. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game in 2017–18, well up from the 4.4 points, 1.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds he accumulated in 18.3 minutes per game in 2016–17.[42] In Game 1 of the Breakers' semi-finals series against the first-seeded Melbourne United, Ili scored 16 points in an 88–77 loss.[43] The Breakers went on to lose the series 2–0, as they bowed out of the finals with an 88–86 loss to Melbourne in Game 2. Ili appeared in all 30 games for the Breakers in 2017–18, averaging 9.2 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Third season with the Saints (2018)

In March 2018, Ili re-joined the Saints for the 2018 season.[44] In the Saints' season opener on 27 April 2018, Ili recorded game highs of 32 points and 10 assists in a 113–108 loss to the Southland Sharks. The Saints had not lost since 22 May 2016 – against the Sharks in Invercargill – and according to coach Kevin Braswell, it was poor defensive effort which ended their winning streak.[45] On 25 May, he recorded 31 points, nine assists and six rebounds in a 109–101 win over the Manawatu Jets.[46] Two days later, he scored 27 points in an 80–77 win over the Hawke's Bay Hawks.[47] He subsequently earned Player of the Week honours for Round 5.[48] On 8 June, he was invited to attend an NBA mini-camp run by the Dallas Mavericks on 18–19 June.[49][50] Two days later, he recorded 28 points and seven assists in an 86–77 win over the Hawks.[51] He subsequently earned Player of the Week honours for Round 7.[52] The Saints finished the regular season as minor premiers with a league-best 15–3 record. In their semi-final against the Hawks, Ili recorded 18 points, nine assists, six rebounds in a 99–73 win.[53] In the final a day later, the Saints fell short of their three-peat quest with a 98–96 loss to the Sharks, despite Ili's game-high 27 points.[54][55] In 19 games, he averaged a career-high 22.2 points to go with 4.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game.[56]

Fifth season with the Breakers (2018–19)

On 22 March 2018, Ili re-signed with the Breakers on a two-year deal.[57] While he struggled offensively during the 2018–19 season,[58] Ili's defence was a highlight,[59] proving himself to be one of the best stoppers in the league.[60] On 30 December 2018, he scored a season-high 19 points in a 109–98 loss to the Adelaide 36ers.[61] On 3 February 2019, he scored 18 points in a 111–102 overtime loss to Melbourne United.[62] The Breakers finished the season in sixth place with a 12–16 record.[58] In 27 games, Ili averaged 7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

On 19 June 2019, Ili requested a release from the final year of his contract with the Breakers in order to pursue more minutes at another NBL club.[63] Ili's departure was closely associated with the Breakers' signing of 18-year-old American high school sensation R. J. Hampton under the league's Next Stars programme, with Hampton, a point guard, reportedly guaranteed significant minutes as part of his contract.[64]

Fourth season with the Saints (2019)

In April 2019, Ili re-joined the Saints for the 2019 season.[65][66] He quickly cemented himself as an MVP favourite,[67] and led the Saints to the minor premiership with an undefeated 18–0 regular season.[68] In the Saints' semi-final against the Southland Sharks, Ili scored a game-high 32 points in a 95–89 win.[69] In the final, Ili had nine points, eight assists and five rebounds in a 78–68 victory over the Hawke's Bay Hawks to help the Saints complete a 20–0 season and win the championship.[70][71] For the season, Ili was named Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard and All-Star Five.[72]

Melbourne United (2019–present)

On 20 June 2019, Ili signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United.[73] Despite a 0–3 start for Melbourne to begin the 2019–20 season, Ili helped the team recover to a 4–4 record after round 6.[74] A minor calf injury to Ili in round 8 saw him miss two round 9 games.[75] Ili was moved into the starting line-up during United's 2–1 semi-final series loss to the Sydney Kings.[76] In 29 games, he averaged 6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Ili was ruled out for the majority of February 2021 with a left ankle injury.[77] He helped United win the championship for the 2020–21 season and shot a career-high 43.2% from 3-point range.[78] Following the season, he had a three-game stint with the Geelong Supercats of the NBL1 South.[79]

On 27 June 2021, Ili re-signed with United on a two-year deal.[78] In 2021–22, he helped United secure a second straight minor premiership and was a finalist for best defender.[80] He was named NBL Best Sixth Man after averaging a career high in assists and steals off the bench, while shooting the ball at above 41% from 3-point range for the second consecutive year.[81] United lost 2–1 in the semi-finals to the Tasmania JackJumpers despite Ili's team-high 18 points in game three.[82] Following the season, he joined the Sandringham Sabres of the NBL1 South.[83]

On 26 July 2022, Ili signed a two-year contract extension with United.[84]

National team career

In June 2015, Ili was named in a 22-man Tall Blacks squad to trial and be considered for selection for the Oceania Series against Australia in August.[85] A month later, he was named in the final squad ahead of the team's European tour,[86] going on to play in Game 2 of New Zealand's Oceania Series against Australia.[87][88]

In July 2016, Ili competed for New Zealand at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila. Over the three games they played, Ili averaged 3.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.[89] Unbeknownst to Ili, he picked up a stress fracture in his back during the 2016 New Zealand NBL season, and played through it on the Tall Blacks' tour through China, Europe and the Philippines. It was only while preparing for his first season as a full roster player with the New Zealand Breakers that he discovered the seriousness of his tight back.[90]

On 12 July 2017, Ili was invited to a six-day Tall Blacks camp in Auckland, ahead of a final 12-man roster being named to travel to the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon, via preparation matches in China.[91] Ili went on to average a team-high 15.5 points, 5.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds for the Tall Blacks during the FIBA Asia Cup, and was subsequently named to the tournament's All-Star Five. The Tall Blacks finished the tournament in fourth place after losing to South Korea in the bronze medal game; Ili missed the game after splitting the webbing on his hand during the semi-final defeat to Australia.[92]

In November 2017 and February 2018, Ili represented the Tall Blacks during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.[42][93] On 16 March 2018, he was named in the Tall Blacks squad for the Commonwealth Games.[94] He helped the Tall Blacks win bronze at the Commonwealth Games.[95] In May 2018, he won both the outstanding New Zealand men's player and the 2017 MVP award at Basketball New Zealand's annual awards night.[96] In August 2018, he re-joined the Tall Blacks for two more qualifiers in September.[97]

Personal

Ili is of Samoan descent.[98][99] His father and members of his mother's family hail from Samoa.[100] His older brother, Stacey, is a professional rugby union player.[101]

In March 2016, Ili married Morgan Roberts, a former Oregon Tech University basketball scholarship holder.[102] The couple have two children.[103][104]

References

  1. ^ a b "BREAKERS SIGN YOUNG KIWIS TO FULL-TIME ROSTER". NBL.com.au. 27 April 2016. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Shea Ili". olympic.org.nz. Archived from the original on 2 December 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d Savory, Logan (9 April 2014). "Shea Ili happy with move to Southland Sharks". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  4. ^ "Under 21 Nationals – Counties Manukau (18th May – 21 May)". SportsTG.com. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  5. ^ White, Peter (26 August 2013). "Basketball: Fotu finish is a highlight at NZ tourney". NZHerald.co.nz. Archived from the original on 24 November 2014.
  6. ^ "U23 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS HARBOUR & COUNTIES". Basketball.org.nz. 23 August 2014. Archived from the original on 24 November 2014.
  7. ^ a b c d "Player statistics for Shea Ili". SportsTG.com. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  8. ^ Savory, Logan (24 December 2013). "Ili key signing for the Sharks". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  9. ^ Anderson, Ian (30 May 2014). "Cavalry not coming to Waikato Pistons' rescue". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  10. ^ Humphreys, Lyn (19 June 2014). "Southland Sharks bar brawlers plead guilty". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  11. ^ Humphreys, Lyn (20 June 2014). "Southland Sharks players to ask for leniency". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  12. ^ "Shark player given reprieve". Stuff.co.nz. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  13. ^ a b "Breakers Announce Their D-Unit for the New Season". NZBreakers.co.nz. 15 August 2014. Archived from the original on 22 August 2014.
  14. ^ Savory, Logan (24 November 2014). "Shea Ili hoping to redeem for Southland Sharks". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  15. ^ "Player statistics for Shea Ili – ANBL". SportsTG.com. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  16. ^ Hinton, Marc (8 March 2015). "Ekene Ibekwe buzzer-beater earns NZ Breakers fourth ANBL title". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  17. ^ Savory, Logan (10 May 2015). "Shea Ili's freakish abilities shining through for Sharks in National Basketball League". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  18. ^ Heagney, George (19 June 2015). "Manawatu Jets can't stop Southland Sharks' hot streak in Palmerston North". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  19. ^ Hyslop, Liam (5 July 2015). "Southland Sharks beat Wellington Saints in tense NBL final". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  20. ^ Hinton, Marc (7 September 2015). "Corey Webster's NBA fling gives NZ Breakers duo Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili chance to shine". SMH.com.au. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  21. ^ a b "NZ Breakers sign Kiwis Finn Delany and Shea Ili to fulltime roster". Stuff.co.nz. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  22. ^ Hyslop, Liam (25 February 2016). "Shea Ili, BJ Anthony join stacked Wellington Saints team for 2016 NBL". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  23. ^ "Wellington Saints' momentum stalled by two close NBL losses". Stuff.co.nz. 22 May 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  24. ^ Rollo, Phillip (28 May 2016). "Wellington Saints eliminate Nelson Giants from National Basketball League". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  25. ^ "SAINTS CLAIM 9TH NBL TITLE". Basketball.org.nz. 6 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  26. ^ Hyslop, Liam (27 March 2016). "Tai Wesley and Shea Ili out for Wellington Saints clash against Nelson Giants". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  27. ^ "MOORE TAKES OUT NBL MVP". Basketball.org.nz. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  28. ^ Hinton, Marc (2 September 2016). "New Breakers point guard Ben Woodside happy to be back alongside Kirk Penney". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  29. ^ Hinton, Marc (6 September 2016). "Breakers coach Paul Henare likes the signs as Been Woodside takes the point". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  30. ^ "ISAIH TUETA IN FOR SHEA LLI [sic]". NBL.com.au. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  31. ^ Hinton, Marc (24 November 2016). "Better late than never, Shea Ili back for NZ Breakers as Izzy Tueta heads home". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  32. ^ Hyslop, Liam (10 February 2017). "Wellington Saints sign American Aaron Valdes for NBL title defence as Torrey Craig departs". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  33. ^ Hyslop, Liam (7 April 2017). "Shea Ili happy to assist his free-scoring Wellington Saints team-mates". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  34. ^ "Basketball: Saints romp past Rams to stay unbeaten". NZHerald.co.nz. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  35. ^ Hyslop, Liam (25 April 2017). "Wellington Saints ease past Nelson Giants, despite Finn Delany's best efforts". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  36. ^ Hyslop, Liam (19 May 2017). "Third quarter blast sees Wellington Saints power past Southland Sharks". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  37. ^ a b "SAINTS CREATE HISTORY CLAIMING THEIR TENTH TITLE". Basketball.org.nz. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  38. ^ Anderson, Niall (17 June 2017). "Basketball: Wellington Saints complete perfect NBL season". NZHerald.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  39. ^ Hinton, Marc (27 October 2017). "Shea Ili stars as NZ Breakers topple Brisbane Bullets for fourth straight victory". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  40. ^ Anderson, Niall (26 October 2017). "Basketball: New Zealand Breakers gun down Brisbane Bullets to stay top of ANBL". NZHerald.co.nz. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  41. ^ Anderson, Niall (4 February 2018). "Basketball: New Zealand Breakers book playoff spot after win over Illawarra Hawks". NZHerald.co.nz. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  42. ^ a b Hinton, Marc (28 February 2018). "Breakers guard Shea Ili gets the nod as Australian NBL's Most Improved Player". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  43. ^ Anderson, Niall (3 March 2018). "Basketball: Melbourne United too good for New Zealand Breakers in opener". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  44. ^ Hislop, Liam (15 March 2018). "New look, but same Wellington Saints back in search of a three-peat". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  45. ^ Hislop, Liam (27 April 2018). "Southland Sharks end Wellington Saints' unbeaten run at 24". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  46. ^ Hislop, Liam (25 May 2018). "Nelson Giants, Wellington Saints grab contrasting NBL wins". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  47. ^ Hislop, Liam (27 May 2018). "Finn Delany takes Nelson Giants top of NBL, Ili sparks Saints to second". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  48. ^ "2018 National Basketball League Media Guide Round Six" (PDF). nznbl.basketball. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  49. ^ "Shea Ili offered 'opportunity of a lifetime' at NBA mini-camp with Dallas Mavericks". Stuff.co.nz. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  50. ^ Santamaria, Liam (8 June 2018). "Mitch Creek, Shea Ili Invited to Dallas Mavericks Mini Camp". NBL.com.au. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
  51. ^ "Wellington Saints much too good for Hawks when it matters". Stuff.co.nz. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  52. ^ "2018 National Basketball League Media Guide Round Eight" (PDF). nznbl.basketball. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  53. ^ Hislop, Liam (4 August 2018). "Wellington Saints first team through to NBL final after downing Hawke's Bay Hawks". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  54. ^ "Reuben Te Rangi leads Southland Sharks to thrilling NBL final win over Wellington Saints". Stuff.co.nz. 5 August 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  55. ^ Anderson, Niall (5 August 2018). "Basketball: Southland Sharks beat Wellington Saints in superb final to win NBL title". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  56. ^ "Player statistics for Shea Ili – NZNBL 2018". SportsTG.com. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
  57. ^ Anderson, Niall (22 March 2018). "Basketball: Breakers lock up Tom Abercrombie and Shea Ili". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  58. ^ a b Hinton, Marc (19 February 2019). "Reviewing the Breakers: Inconsistent play, soft defence make for a season to forget". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  59. ^ Hinton, Marc (2 November 2018). "NZ Breakers back their ace stopper Shea Ili to put the clamps on Bryce Cotton". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  60. ^ Hinton, Marc (1 December 2018). "Excuses over for Breakers, it's now time to figure things out, says Casey Frank". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
  61. ^ Hylsop, Liam (30 December 2018). "New Zealand Breakers out-muscled in loss to Adelaide 36ers". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  62. ^ Ward, Roy (3 February 2019). "United go overtime against Breakers to make it four-straight wins". SMH.com.au. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  63. ^ "Statement on Shea Ili". nzbreakers.basketball. 19 June 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  64. ^ Hinton, Marc (19 June 2019). "Shea Ili makes shock departure from NZ Breakers, joins rivals Melbourne United". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  65. ^ "SEASON PREVIEW: SAINTS SEEK REDEMPTION IN 2019". nznbl.basketball. 8 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  66. ^ Egan, Brendon (11 April 2019). "Wellington Saints, Southland Sharks hot favourites for NBL title". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  67. ^ "SHEA ILI AND RHYS VAGUE LEAD TAB MVP". nznbl.basketball. 14 May 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2019.
  68. ^ "THIS IS WHAT 18–0 LOOKS LIKE". nznbl.basketball. 14 July 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  69. ^ "Saints vs Sharks". FIBALiveStats.com. 20 July 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  70. ^ "Saints vs Hawks". FIBALiveStats.com. 21 July 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  71. ^ Smith, Tony (21 July 2019). "Wellington Saints claim 11th NBL title with stunning comeback win over Hawks". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
  72. ^ "SEASON'S BEST CELEBRATED AT ANNUAL AWARDS". nznbl.basketball. 19 July 2019. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  73. ^ "Shea Ili Signs with Melbourne United". NBL.com.au. 20 June 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  74. ^ Hinton, Marc (10 November 2019). "Melbourne United: We struck the lottery with pickup of unwanted Breaker Shea Ili". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  75. ^ "Prather Returns, Ili Out For Melbourne". NBL.com.au. 27 November 2019. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  76. ^ Ward, Roy (4 March 2020). "Relentless Ili the key as United chase series win over Kings". smh.com.au. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  77. ^ "Injury updates". twitter.com/MelbUnitedHQ. 8 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  78. ^ a b "NBL Champions begin off-season by re-signing Ili and signing Triplett". melbourneutd.com.au. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  79. ^ "Shea Ili". NBL1.com.au. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  80. ^ Hinton, Marc (21 April 2022). "Melbourne United's Kiwi star Shea Ili shortlisted for two Aussie NBL awards". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  81. ^ "Ili Best Sixth Man, JLA All-NBL First Team". melbourneutd.com.au. 27 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  82. ^ "Fairytale Comes True for Tasmania JackJumpers". NBL.com.au. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  83. ^ Badkin, Liam (12 July 2022). "Impressive Ili helps Sabres soar". central.rookieme.com. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  84. ^ "Ili Commits to United for Two Seasons". NBL.com.au. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  85. ^ "Basketball: Tall Blacks name extended squad for Australia series". NZHerald.co.nz. 21 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  86. ^ "Henare announces touring Tall Blacks squad". FIBA.com. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  87. ^ "Australia vs New Zealand". FIBALiveStats.com. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  88. ^ "New Zealand vs Australia". FIBALiveStats.com. 18 August 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  89. ^ "Shea Ili's profile". FIBA.com. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  90. ^ Hinton, Marc (9 September 2016). "NZ Breakers will bring in Aussie point guard to replace the crocked Shea Ili". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  91. ^ "PLAYERS INVITED TO TALL BLACKS CAMP AHEAD OF ASIA CUP". Basketball.org.nz. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  92. ^ Hinton, Marc (21 August 2017). "Shea Ili enhances reputation after standout campaign with Tall Blacks in Beirut". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  93. ^ Anderson, Niall (23 November 2017). "Basketball: Lacklustre Tall Blacks humbled by South Korea". NZHerald.co.nz. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  94. ^ Anderson, Niall (16 March 2018). "Basketball: Tall Blacks name Commonwealth Games squad". NZHerald.co.nz. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  95. ^ "Tall Blacks take Commonwealth Games bronze with win over Scotland". Stuff.co.nz. 15 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  96. ^ "Shea Ili, Jillian Harmon grab the big prizes at Basketball NZ's awards night". Stuff.co.nz. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
  97. ^ Rollo, Phillip (29 August 2018). "Corey Webster to miss Tall Blacks' World Cup qualifiers as he settles back into NZ". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  98. ^ "TAGATA PASIFIKA – Samoan Breaker Shea Ili". YouTube.com. Tagata Pasifika. 13 October 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  99. ^ "Shea Ili". Instagram. 28 April 2018. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  100. ^ Ward, Roy (23 November 2019). "Melbourne United chase bench boost from Ili, Acuil ahead of Bullets clash". smh.com.au. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  101. ^ Small, Daragh (31 March 2017). "'I miss home, I miss the food, but I am enjoying life out west'". Independent.ie. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  102. ^ "Basketball: Hectic time for point guard Ili". NZHerald.co.nz. 22 March 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  103. ^ Hinton, Marc (25 November 2018). "Breakers in freefall as they plunge to fourth straight ANBL defeat in Perth". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 25 November 2018. ...and Breakers playmaker Shea Ili staying in New Zealand for the birth of his first child.
  104. ^ Hinton, Marc (31 August 2020). "Coronavirus: Tall Black Shea Ili opens up on Covid-19 experience, bringing family home". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shea_Ili&oldid=1108795048"