Coaches conscious of Ili's defensive brilliance

Shea Ili is the newly crowned NBL Best Defensive Player for a reason, and Damian Martin has revealed an unnamed opposition coach has previously planned his offence around keeping the ball away from the terrier-like guard.

United is set to face Illawarra in the upcoming Playoff Series following the Hawks’ narrow win over New Zealand on Monday night.

“He’s the head of the snake. I remember one of the other coaches told me that Shea Ili is the only player in the league he makes sure he’s aware of when making his offensive game plan, so the ball is away from Shea and he doesn’t have the opportunity to leave his man and get deflections and steals,” Martin told NBL Media.

“That is the respect this coach – and I’m sure all the others – have for Shea with what he’s capable of doing on the defensive end.

“He can dictate a game with his IQ, his willingness to put his body on the line, his quick hands, the way he slides his feet.

“I think the body of work he’s put together – particularly over the past five years – has made him the best defender consistently over that time.”

Martin was named the NBL’s Best Defensive Player a record six times during his trophy-laden career with the Perth Wildcats, and he was on hand to present Ili with the award – which now bears his name – on the NBL’s MVP night.

Ili earned 59 votes to finish well clear of second-placed Will Magnay (36) and third-placed Sam McDaniel in the race for the award.

“That award means everything to me and I was blown away when I got the call from the NBL asking if they could name it after me,” Martin continued.

“What put a massive smile on my face was being able to hand it over to Shea, who I’m a big fan of.

“He’ll be a major reason for if Melbourne goes on to win it, and that’s off the back of his work on the defensive end and how he leads the team.”

The first game of Melbourne’s Playoff Series against Illawarra will tip off on Thursday night at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo, and 10 Play.