Ili breaks silence on concussion fears

• Shea Ili has been given the green light to return for NBL26 after working with a concussion specialist
• Ili missed Game 3 and 4 of the NBL grand final series against Illawarra
• The 32-year-old is a two-time NBL champion (2015, 2021)

Melbourne United veteran guard Shea Ili has expressed his relief after being cleared for NBL26 following a series of concussions that have given him a greater appreciation for the fragility of his career, reports Matt Logue and Michael Randall from CODE Sports Basketball.

In a major boost for United’s championship aspirations, Ili has been given the green light for this season after working closely with a concussion specialist.

The Tall Blacks international has a long history of head knocks dating back to 2022, but two concussions in the space of two months earlier this year prompted the Melbourne star to seek professional help.

For the full story on CODE Sports Basketball, click here.

In May, Ili suffered a concussion following a training incident while playing for the Wellington Saints in the NZNBL competition. The incident came just months after he missed Game 3 and 4 of the NBL grand final series against Illawarra after copping an accidental elbow.

Ili understands the serious nature of concussion, so he is grateful to receive the all-clear for NBL26.

“It (concussion) is a scary topic – so I’m just happy that the reports were all good and I can play again and put it behind myself,” Ili told CODE Sports heading into his 10th NBL season in 2025/26.

“It will still be in the back of my mind, but I’m just going to go out there and play.”

Ili – who turns 33 in October – says he is driven to win a championship at United in NBL26 after falling short in the grand final series for the past two seasons.