United Concern for Ili

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman and captain Chris Goulding have expressed concern for Shea Ili, after he showed “concussion symptoms” in Saturday night’s win over the Adelaide 36ers.

Ili took a knock to the head against the 36ers, which limited the 30-year-old to just 15 minutes. It continues a worrying run for the New Zealander, who suffered a concussion in the preseason which lingered until December.

United’s revival into the top six has coincided with Ili’s return and Vickerman hopes he can see his point guard on the court again this season.

“Obviously took a head knock…concussion symptoms, we'll know more (soon),” Vickerman said of Ili’s condition.

“He's had a few of those head knocks this year…pleased that other people stepped up (in the win) but I absolutely feel for him right now and hope that we see him again this season.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dean Vickerman and Chris Goulding provide an update on Shea Ili's condition after he left tonight's game due to a head knock <a href="https://t.co/0xaEp51CYF">pic.twitter.com/0xaEp51CYF</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1616757841507028992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Goulding added his attention is on the wellbeing of Ili and his family.

“There’s concern. Knowing the recent history and severity of this space that we're finding more and more about. Concern for him as a person first and foremost,” Goulding said.

“We'll worry about what that means for our team, but the immediate pressing matter is that he's okay and his family is okay.”