The Male Player of the Year and overall MVP for 2023 is Shea Ili.
Shea Ili again enjoyed a standout year for both the Tall Blacks and Melbourne United in 2023.
Shea enjoyed an outstanding 2023 FIBA World Cup playing all 5 games averaging 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. Those 7.6 assists per game ranked third at the World Cup ahead of established NBA guards like Patty Mills, Josh Giddey, Dennis Schroeder and Tyrese Haliburton. Shea’s most memorable performance was against Greece when he posted 27 points and 8 assists.
His 2022-23 appearances for Melbourne were restricted to 14 games due to injury but in the 23-24 season he was back to his dynamic best as Melbourne went all the way to the NBL Grand Finals before losing the series 3 games to 2. His elite level defensive capabilities were recognised when he was named the Australian NBL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Tall Blacks Head Coach Pero Cameron has this to say about Shea:
“Shea has been a great player for the Tall Blacks for a number of years. The pace and tenacity he plays with, at both ends of the court, is inspiring for his teammates. He deserves all the accolades that there are, especially with his defensive super powers and his leadership qualities”.
Also named The Male Player of the Year and overall MVP in 2017 Shea Ili is again a deserved recipient of both awards in 2023.
Accepting his awards on his behalf is his friend and fellow basketballer Hyrum Harris.
