Rathan-Mayes to Make “Biggest Adjustments” Following Ili’s Return

Melbourne United’s Xavier Rathan-Mayes will have to make the “biggest adjustments” with the return of Shea Ili, according to coach Dean Vickerman.

Rathan-Mayes has been a star player for Melbourne this season, averaging 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

His role will change with Ili's return from concussion and Vickerman states it’s a crucial time for both Rathan-Mayes and Ili to learn how to play effectively together.

“I think he’s going to have the biggest adjustment right now, ‘X’ (Rathan-Mayes), in what we’ve needed from him to have the ball in his hands as the only true point guard,” Vickerman said.

“Now as he (Rathan-Mayes) just learns to play off the basketball with Shea and how those two can connect, and the luxury of him, if he does catch it in the back-court, for Shea to move off the basketball, and how those two play together, is going to be really important.”

Vickerman said the team struggled with creativity on the court whilst Ili has been on the bench.

“One of our struggles this year without him has just been creation and we saw the effect he had on the game when he put his feet in the paint,” he said.

Ili recorded nine points for United on Monday night against the Perth Wildcats with four assists and three rebounds. He is happy to be back on court and ready to help Melbourne climb up the ladder.

“I definitely felt like I could’ve helped the boys out for the first part of the season but it was just good to get out there and finally help where I can,” Ili said.

“The medical staff did a great job of making sure I was symptom free.”

United play the Cairns Taipans on Friday night at 7:30pm AEDT.