Ariel Hukporti, a center out of Germany, has signed with Melbourne United as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, according to an ESPN report.
Last season big man played an important role for the Lithuanian top division team. He averaged 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 11.5 PIR over 23.2 minutes in national championship. Hukporti scored a season-high 17 points against the Lithuanian powerhouse and the Euroleague participant – Zalgiris Kaunas. The 19-year-old also recorded four double-doubles in 21 games.
Hukporti (19, 2.13) was believed to be a second-round pick in this year's NBA Draft. Sports Illustrated had him ranked as high as the 29th on February 24, 2021. Despite all predictions, Ariel Hukporti decided to withdraw his application from the 2021 NBA Draft and spend another season developing his talents.
