Hukporti joins Ludwigsburg on loan

Melbourne United NBL Next Star Ariel Hukporti is heading back to Germany to help his hometown team across the final portion of the season.

As part of a loan agreement, Hukporti will join MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg for the rest of this season, who he played his junior basketball and first two pro seasons with.

This comes after a stellar season back from injury from Hukporti, where he led the NBL in total blocked shots, while finishing third in total rebounds.

Following his stint with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, Hukporti will continue his preparations for the 2024 NBA Draft, which many have projected him to be selected in.

NBL Head of Next Stars Recruitment, Liam Santamaria, is looking forward to Hukporti’s development continuing.

“Ariel is coming off a fantastic season with Melbourne United, and we are excited to watch that momentum continue during his loan stint with Ludwigsburg,” Santamaria said.

“This loan stint is all part of a joint plan with United, Ariel, his management, and the NBL, to have Ariel at peak fitness and form heading into the NBA Draft Combine in May, and we can’t wait to see him perform back in front of his home fans in Germany.”