Shea Ili

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Shea Ili

| image =

| caption =

| position = Point guard

| height_cm = 184

| weight_kg = 88

| league = NZNBL

| team = Wellington Saints

| number = 51

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1992|10|6}}

| birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand

| high_school = Onehunga
(Auckland, New Zealand)

| college =

| career_start = 2012

| career_end =

| years1 = 2012

| team1 = Auckland Pirates

| years2 = 2013

| team2 = Super City Rangers

| years3 = 2014–2015

| team3 = Southland Sharks

| years4 = 2014–2019

| team4 = New Zealand Breakers

| years5 = 2016–2019

| team5 = Wellington Saints

| years6 = 2019–present

| team6 = Melbourne United

| years7 = 2021

| team7 = Geelong Supercats

| years8 = 2022; 2024

| team8 = Sandringham Sabres

| years9 = 2025–present

| team9 = Wellington Saints

| highlights =

2× NBL champion (2015, 2021)
2× NBL Best Defensive Player (2024, 2025)
NBL Best Sixth Man (2022)
NBL Most Improved Player (2018)
5× NZNBL champion (2012, 2015–2017, 2019)
NZNBL MVP (2018)
NZNBL Kiwi MVP (2018)
NZNBL Finals MVP (2017)
3× NZNBL All-Star Five (2017–2019)
NZNBL Most Outstanding Guard (2018)
3× NZNBL Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard (2016, 2018, 2019)
NBL1 South MVP (2022)
NBL1 South All-Star Five (2022)
NBL1 South Defensive Player of the Year (2022)

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry | {{NZL}} }}

}}

Shea Ili (born 6 October 1992) is a New Zealand professional basketball player for the Wellington Saints of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL). He is also contracted with Melbourne United of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He debuted in the Australian NBL in 2014 with the New Zealand Breakers. He was a member of the Breakers' championship-winning team in 2015 and in 2018 he named the NBL Most Improved Player. He joined Melbourne United in 2019 and in 2021 he won his second NBL championship. He was named NBL Best Sixth Man in 2022 and NBL Best Defensive Player in 2024.

In the New Zealand NBL, Ili has won five championships and earned league MVP in 2018. In the NBL1 South, he won league MVP in 2022.

Early life and career

Ili was born in Auckland and raised in the suburb of Māngere Bridge.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/breakers-sign-young-kiwis-to-full-time-roster/|title=BREAKERS SIGN YOUNG KIWIS TO FULL-TIME ROSTER|work=NBL.com.au|date=27 April 2016|access-date=20 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529025457/http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/breakers-sign-young-kiwis-to-full-time-roster/|archive-date=29 May 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://olympic.org.nz/athletes/shea-ili|title=Shea Ili|work=olympic.org.nz|access-date=10 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202061810/https://www.olympic.org.nz/athletes/shea-ili/|archive-date=2 December 2018}} He attended Onehunga High School, where he played basketball and rugby. As a halfback, he progressed to the Auckland under-21 team, but his rugby ambitions were put to aside because of his basketball commitments.{{cite web|last=Savory|first=Logan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/9917571/Shea-Ili-happy-with-move-to-Southland-Sharks|title=Shea Ili happy with move to Southland Sharks|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=9 April 2014|access-date=20 June 2017}}

As a youth, Ili competed for Counties Manukau Basketball Association rep teams. In 2011, he was named in the U21 Men's National Championship Tournament Team;{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-2831-0-0-0&sID=58587&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=15670051|title=Under 21 Nationals – Counties Manukau (18th May – 21 May)|work=SportsTG.com|access-date=20 June 2017}} in 2013, he was named in the U23 Men's National Championship Tournament Team;{{cite web|last=White|first=Peter|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503345&objectid=11114597|title=Basketball: Fotu finish is a highlight at NZ tourney|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=26 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141124062445/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503345&objectid=11114597|archive-date=24 November 2014}} and in 2014, he helped Counties Manukau win the U23 Men's National Championship title while being named in the Tournament Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/u23-national-champions-north-harbour-counties-manukau/|title=U23 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS HARBOUR & COUNTIES|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=23 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141124064308/http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/u23-national-champions-north-harbour-counties-manukau/|archive-date=24 November 2014}}

Professional career

=Australian NBL=

==New Zealand Breakers (2014–2019)==

In August 2014, Ili joined the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) as a development player for the 2014–15 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/1hb0bdvvaqn141fn8wctslmon4|title=Breakers Announce Their D-Unit for the New Season|work=NZBreakers.co.nz|date=15 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822191240/http://www.nzbreakers.co.nz/article/id/1hb0bdvvaqn141fn8wctslmon4|archive-date=22 August 2014}} A former Breakers Academy player in 2011, Ili was highly rated by the Breakers for his athleticism, work rate and attitude. Ili was an active member of the Breakers roster for eight games during the 2014–15 season and made five appearances.{{cite web|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=198791957&client=0-189-12317-327335-19755578|title=Player statistics for Shea Ili – ANBL|work=SportsTG.com|access-date=20 June 2017}} In March 2015, he became a championship-winning player with the Breakers after they defeated the Cairns Taipans in the NBL Grand Final series.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/67106584/Ekene-Ibekwe-buzzer-beater-earns-NZ-Breakers-fourth-ANBL-title|title=Ekene Ibekwe buzzer-beater earns NZ Breakers fourth ANBL title|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=8 March 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}}

Ili re-joined the Breakers as a development player for the 2015–16 NBL season. He stepped into the backcourt rotation during the pre-season.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/corey-websters-nba-fling-gives-nz-breakers-duo-reuben-te-rangi-and-shea-ili-chance-to-shine-20150907-gjh8kl.html|title=Corey Webster's NBA fling gives NZ Breakers duo Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili chance to shine|work=SMH.com.au|date=7 September 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}} Ili was given minutes on a regular basis for the Breakers towards the end of the season, including during the playoffs.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/79369384/nz-breakers-sign-finn-delany-and-shea-ili-to-fulltime-roster|title=NZ Breakers sign Kiwis Finn Delany and Shea Ili to fulltime roster|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 April 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} In 20 games for the Breakers in 2015–16, he averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

On 27 April 2016, Ili signed a full-time contract with the Breakers. A back injury in the lead up to the 2016–17 NBL season saw him miss three months of action.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/83859859/new-breakers-point-guard-ben-woodside-happy-to-be-back-alongside-kirk-penney|title=New Breakers point guard Ben Woodside happy to be back alongside Kirk Penney|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=2 September 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/83976369/breakers-coach-paul-henare-likes-the-signs-as-been-woodside-takes-the-point|title=Breakers coach Paul Henare likes the signs as Been Woodside takes the point|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=6 September 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/featured-news/32922/|title=ISAIH TUETA IN FOR SHEA LLI [sic]|work=NBL.com.au|date=13 September 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/86844646/better-late-than-never-shea-ili-back-for-nz-breakers-as-izzy-tueta-heads-home|title=Better late than never, Shea Ili back for NZ Breakers as Izzy Tueta heads home|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=24 November 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} In 17 games, he averaged 4.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Ili had a breakout start to the 2017–18 NBL season.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/98281964/she-ili-stars-as-nz-breakers-topple-brisbane-bullets-for-fourth-straight-victory|title=Shea Ili stars as NZ Breakers topple Brisbane Bullets for fourth straight victory|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 October 2017|access-date=27 October 2017}} On 26 October 2017, he scored a career-high 23 points in a 101–96 win over the Brisbane Bullets.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Niall|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11937252|title=Basketball: New Zealand Breakers gun down Brisbane Bullets to stay top of ANBL|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=26 October 2017|access-date=26 October 2017}} For the season, Ili was named the NBL Most Improved Player after averaging 9.2 points, 3.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/101825682/breakers-guard-shea-ili-gets-the-nod-as-australian-nbls-most-improved-player|title=Breakers guard Shea Ili gets the nod as Australian NBL's Most Improved Player|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=28 February 2018|access-date=28 February 2018}}

On 22 March 2018, Ili re-signed with the Breakers on a two-year deal.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Niall|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12018114|title=Basketball: Breakers lock up Tom Abercrombie and Shea Ili|work=nzherald.co.nz|date=22 March 2018|access-date=22 March 2018}} During the off-season, he attended an NBA mini-camp run by the Dallas Mavericks.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/104565071/shea-ili-offered-opportunity-of-a-lifetime-at-nba-minicamp-with-dallas-mavericks|title=Shea Ili offered 'opportunity of a lifetime' at NBA mini-camp with Dallas Mavericks|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=8 June 2018|access-date=8 June 2018}}{{cite web|last=Santamaria|first=Liam|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/42340-mitch-creek-shea-ili-invited-to-dallas-mavericks-mini-camp|title=Mitch Creek, Shea Ili Invited to Dallas Mavericks Mini Camp|work=NBL.com.au|date=8 June 2018|access-date=8 June 2018}} While he struggled offensively during the 2018–19 season,{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/110698208/reviewing-the-breakers-inconsistent-play-soft-defence-make-for-a-season-to-forget|title=Reviewing the Breakers: Inconsistent play, soft defence make for a season to forget|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 February 2019|access-date=19 February 2019}} Ili's defence was a highlight,{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/108302482/nz-breakers-back-their-ace-stopper-shea-ili-to-put-the-clamps-on-bryce-cotton|title=NZ Breakers back their ace stopper Shea Ili to put the clamps on Bryce Cotton|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=2 November 2018|access-date=2 November 2018}} proving himself to be one of the best stoppers in the league.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/109009368/excuses-over-for-breakers-its-now-time-to-figure-things-out-says-casey-frank|title=Excuses over for Breakers, it's now time to figure things out, says Casey Frank|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=1 December 2018|access-date=2 December 2018}} On 30 December 2018, he scored a season-high 19 points in a 109–98 loss to the Adelaide 36ers.{{cite web|last=Hylsop|first=Liam|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/109669323/new-zealand-breakers-outmuscled-in-loss-to-adelaide-36ers|title=New Zealand Breakers out-muscled in loss to Adelaide 36ers|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=30 December 2018|access-date=31 December 2018}} On 3 February 2019, he scored 18 points in a 111–102 overtime loss to Melbourne United.{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Roy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/united-go-overtime-against-breakers-to-make-it-four-straight-wins-20190203-p50vfd.html|title=United go overtime against Breakers to make it four-straight wins|work=SMH.com.au|date=3 February 2019|access-date=19 February 2019}} In 27 games, Ili averaged 7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

On 19 June 2019, Ili requested a release from the final year of his contract with the Breakers in order to pursue more minutes at another NBL club.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzbreakers.basketball/news/article/statement-on-shea-ili|title=Statement on Shea Ili|work=nzbreakers.basketball|date=19 June 2019|access-date=19 June 2019}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/113597305/shea-ili-makes-shock-departure-from-nz-breakers-joins-rivals-melbourne-united|title=Shea Ili makes shock departure from NZ Breakers, joins rivals Melbourne United|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 June 2019|access-date=19 June 2019}}

==Melbourne United (2019–present)==

On 20 June 2019, Ili signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/shea-ili-signs-with-melbourne-united|title=Shea Ili Signs with Melbourne United|work=NBL.com.au|date=20 June 2019|access-date=20 June 2019}} Despite a 0–3 start for Melbourne to begin the 2019–20 season, Ili helped the team recover to a 4–4 record after round 6.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/117299031/melbourne-united-we-struck-the-lottery-with-pickup-of-unwanted-breaker-shea-ili|title=Melbourne United: We struck the lottery with pickup of unwanted Breaker Shea Ili|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=10 November 2019|access-date=11 November 2019}} A minor calf injury to Ili in round 8 saw him miss two round 9 games.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/prather-returns-ili-out-for-melbourne|title=Prather Returns, Ili Out For Melbourne|work=NBL.com.au|date=27 November 2019|access-date=27 November 2019}} Ili was moved into the starting line-up during United's 2–1 semi-final series loss to the Sydney Kings.{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Roy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/relentless-ili-the-key-as-united-chase-series-win-over-kings-20200304-p546si.html|title=Relentless Ili the key as United chase series win over Kings|work=smh.com.au|date=4 March 2020|access-date=8 February 2021}} In 29 games, he averaged 6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

The 2020–21 NBL season began in January 2021. Ili missed the majority of February 2021 with a left ankle injury.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MelbUnitedHQ/status/1358628350097383424|title=Injury updates|work=twitter.com/MelbUnitedHQ|date=8 February 2021|access-date=8 February 2021}} He helped United win the 2020–21 championship and shot a career-high 43.2% from 3-point range.{{cite web|url=https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/nbl-champions-begin-off-season-by-re-signing-ili-and-signing-triplett|title=NBL Champions begin off-season by re-signing Ili and signing Triplett|work=melbourneutd.com.au|date=27 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021}}

On 27 June 2021, Ili re-signed with United on a two-year deal. In the 2021–22 NBL season, he was a finalist for best defender{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300570280/melbourne-uniteds-kiwi-star-shea-ili-shortlisted-for-two-aussie-nbl-awards|title=Melbourne United's Kiwi star Shea Ili shortlisted for two Aussie NBL awards|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=21 April 2022|access-date=21 April 2022}} and earned the NBL Best Sixth Man Award after averaging a career high in assists and steals off the bench, while shooting the ball at above 41% from 3-point range for the second consecutive year.{{cite web|url=https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/ili-best-sixth-man-jla-all-nbl-first-team|title=Ili Best Sixth Man, JLA All-NBL First Team|work=melbourneutd.com.au|date=27 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022}} United lost 2–1 in the semi-finals to the Tasmania JackJumpers despite Ili's team-high 18 points in game three.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/fairytale-comes-true-for-tasmania-jackjumpers|title=Fairytale Comes True for Tasmania JackJumpers|work=NBL.com.au|date=2 May 2022|access-date=2 May 2022}}

On 26 July 2022, Ili signed a two-year contract extension with United.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/ili-commits-to-united-for-two-seasons|title=Ili Commits to United for Two Seasons|work=NBL.com.au|date=26 July 2022|access-date=26 July 2022}} During the 2022 pre-season, he suffered a concussion which lingered until December. He suffered another concussion in January 2023.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/united-concern-for-ili|title=United Concern for Ili|work=NBL.com.au|date=23 January 2023|access-date=23 January 2023}} For the 2022–23 season, he was once again named a finalist for best defender.{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/nbl23-mvp-finalists-revealed|title=NBL23 MVP Finalists Revealed|work=NBL.com.au|date=30 January 2023|access-date=19 February 2024}}

In the 2023–24 season, Ili was named the NBL Best Defensive Player.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1759515858345640036|title=All grit, all grind|work=twitter.com/NBL|date=19 February 2024|access-date=19 February 2024}}{{cite web|last=Woods|first=Dan|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/the-tale-of-the-tape-ili-s-best-defensive-player-season|title=The tale of the tape: Ili's Best Defensive Player season|work=NBL.com.au|date=21 February 2024|access-date=21 February 2024}} United finished as minor premiers and reached the NBL Grand Final series, where they lost 3–2 to the Tasmania JackJumpers.{{cite web|url=https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/wwag-nbl24-match-recap-championship-game-5-vs-tasmania-jackjumpers|title=WWAG NBL24 Match Recap - Championship Game 5 vs Tasmania JackJumpers|work=melbourneutd.com.au|date=31 March 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331080623/https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/wwag-nbl24-match-recap-championship-game-5-vs-tasmania-jackjumpers|archive-date=31 March 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/tasmania-jackjumpers-nbl24-champions|title=Tasmania JackJumpers: NBL24 Champions|work=NBL.com.au|date=31 March 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331074750/https://nbl.com.au/news/tasmania-jackjumpers-nbl24-champions|archive-date=31 March 2024}}

Ili missed two rounds early in the 2024–25 season with a calf injury.{{cite news |title=Squad Update: NBL25 Round 5 |url=https://www.melbourneutd.com.au/news/squad-update-nbl25-round-5 |access-date=19 October 2024 |work=Melbourne United {{!}} Official NBL Website |date=19 October 2024}} He went on to earn NBL Best Defensive Player honours for the second straight year.{{cite news |title=Cotton wins 5th MVP |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/cotton-wins-5th-mvp |access-date=10 February 2025 |work=NBL Official Website |date=10 February 2025}} He helped United reach the grand final series, where in game two against the Illawarra Hawks, he suffered a head knock during the second quarter and missed the second half of the game.{{cite news |title=Injury Update: Shea Ili |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/injury-update-shea-ili |access-date=12 March 2025 |work=NBL Official Website |date=12 March 2025}} He was subsequently ruled out of game three and game four due to concussion protocols.{{cite news |title=United star to miss Game 3 |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/united-star-to-miss-game-3 |access-date=15 March 2025 |work=NBL Official Website |date=15 March 2025}}{{cite news |title=BREAKING: Two stars ruled out |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/breaking-two-stars-ruled-out |access-date=19 March 2025 |work=NBL Official Website |date=19 March 2025}} He returned to the line-up in game five and had 20 points, six assists and four steals, but United finished as runners-up with a 3–2 series defeat following a 114–104 loss.{{cite news |title=Hawks clinch second NBL championship |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/hawks-clinch-second-nbl-championship |access-date=23 March 2025 |work=NBL Official Website |date=23 March 2025}}

On 7 April 2025, Ili re-signed with United on a two-year deal.{{cite news |title=United re-sign key piece |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/united-re-sign-key-piece |access-date=7 April 2025 |work=nbl.com.au |date=7 April 2025 |language=en}}

=New Zealand NBL and NBL1 South=

Ili made his debut in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) in 2012 with the championship-winning Auckland Pirates.{{cite web | url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=206678854&client=0-8336-199744-532988-16719616 | title=Player statistics for Shea Ili – 2012 Bartercard National Basketball League | work=NZNBL | access-date=19 February 2024 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219071541/https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=206678854&client=0-8336-199744-532988-16719616 | archive-date=19 February 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://nznbl.basketball/past_champions/?championship_year=2012&gender=mens-nbl | title=2012 NBL CHAMPIONS: AUCKLAND PIRATES | work=NZNBL | access-date=19 February 2024 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219071936/https://nznbl.basketball/past_champions/?championship_year=2012&gender=mens-nbl | archive-date=19 February 2024}} He joined the Super City Rangers for the 2013 season and was one of their standouts despite them winning just two games. In 15 games for the Rangers, he averaged 10.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Ili joined the Southland Sharks for the 2014 season.{{cite web|last=Savory|first=Logan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/sport/9549078/Ili-key-signing-for-the-Sharks|title=Ili key signing for the Sharks|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=24 December 2013|access-date=20 June 2017}} However, he appeared in just 10 games after he was suspended indefinitely by the team in late May following a fight outside a bar in New Plymouth that he and teammates Reuben Te Rangi and Leon Henry were involved in.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Ian|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10101541/Cavalry-not-coming-to-Waikato-Pistons-rescue|title=Cavalry not coming to Waikato Pistons' rescue|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=30 May 2014|access-date=20 June 2017}} The trio were stood down by the team for the second half of the season, and in June, all three pleaded guilty to attacking bar staff. Ili pleaded guilty to two charges: common assault and assault with intent to injure.{{cite web|last=Humphreys|first=Lyn|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/10176537/Southland-Sharks-bar-brawlers-plead-guilty|title=Southland Sharks bar brawlers plead guilty|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 June 2014|access-date=20 June 2017}}{{cite web|last=Humphreys|first=Lyn|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/10180194/Southland-Sharks-players-to-ask-for-leniency|title=Southland Sharks players to ask for leniency|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=20 June 2014|access-date=20 June 2017}} In August, Henry and Ili agreed to carry out clinics in Taranaki. Neither wanted a discharge without conviction. Ili received a four-month sentence of community detention and was ordered to pay reparation of $750 to one victim and $500 to the other.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/10339645/Shark-player-given-reprieve|title=Shark player given reprieve|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=2 August 2014|access-date=20 June 2017}}

The Sharks welcomed back Ili for the 2015 season{{cite web|last=Savory|first=Logan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/63464461/Shea-Ili-hoping-to-redeem-for-Southland-Sharks|title=Shea Ili hoping to redeem for Southland Sharks|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=24 November 2014|access-date=20 June 2017}} and he subsequently began to show his athletic prowess.{{cite web|last=Savory|first=Logan|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/68423659/shea-ilis-freakish-abilities-shining-through-for-sharks-in-national-basketball-league|title=Shea Ili's freakish abilities shining through for Sharks in National Basketball League|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=10 May 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}} On 19 June 2015, Ili scored a career-high 24 points off the bench in a 101–91 win over the Manawatu Jets.{{cite web|last=Heagney|first=George|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/69554228/manawatu-jets-cant-stop-southland-sharks-hot-streak-in-palmerston-north|title=Manawatu Jets can't stop Southland Sharks' hot streak in Palmerston North|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 June 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}} He helped the Sharks reach the grand final, where they defeated the Wellington Saints 72–68 to win the championship.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/69970506/southland-sharks-beat-wellington-saints-in-tense-nbl-final|title=Southland Sharks beat Wellington Saints in tense NBL final|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=5 July 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}} Ili appeared in all 20 games for the Sharks in 2015, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Ili joined the Wellington Saints for the 2016 season.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/77252801/shea-ili-and-bj-anthony-join-stacked-wellington-saints-team-for-2016-nbl|title=Shea Ili, BJ Anthony join stacked Wellington Saints team for 2016 NBL|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=25 February 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} On 22 May 2016, Ili scored a career-high 28 points in the Saints' 78–75 loss to the Southland Sharks.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/80255824/Wellington-Saints-momentum-stalled-by-two-close-NBL-losses|title=Wellington Saints' momentum stalled by two close NBL losses|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=22 May 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} Six days later, he had a game-high 25 points in a 96–83 win over the Nelson Giants.{{cite web|last=Rollo|first=Phillip|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/80496498/wellington-saints-eliminate-nelson-giants-from-national-basketball-league|title=Wellington Saints eliminate Nelson Giants from National Basketball League|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=28 May 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} He helped the Saints reach the grand final, where they defeated the Super City Rangers 94–82 to win the championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/NBL-News/saints-claim-9th-nbl-title|title=SAINTS CLAIM 9TH NBL TITLE|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=6 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} Ili appeared in 19 games for the Saints in 2016, averaging career highs in points (14.8) and assists (5.5), to go with 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He missed one game during the season to attend his own wedding.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/78296756/tai-welsey-and-shea-ili-out-for-wellington-saints-clash-against-nelson-giants|title=Tai Wesley and Shea Ili out for Wellington Saints clash against Nelson Giants|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 March 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} For the season, he was named the league's Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/News/moore-takes-out-nbl-mvp-10|title=MOORE TAKES OUT NBL MVP|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=8 June 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}}

Ili returned to the Saints for the 2017 season.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/89280908/wellington-saints-sign-american-aaron-valdes-for-nbl-title-defence-as-torrey-craig-departs|title=Wellington Saints sign American Aaron Valdes for NBL title defence as Torrey Craig departs|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=10 February 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} He had a pass-first approach but had greatly improved his shooting over the previous 12 months.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91327666/shea-ili-happy-to-assist-his-freescoring-wellington-saints-teammates|title=Shea Ili happy to assist his free-scoring Wellington Saints team-mates|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=7 April 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} On 17 April, he had 22 points and 15 assists in a 102–79 win over the Canterbury Rams.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/basketball/news/article.cfm?c_id=21&objectid=11839777|title=Basketball: Saints romp past Rams to stay unbeaten|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=17 April 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} On 25 April, he had 27 points, 10 assists and six steals in a 110–84 win over the Nelson Giants.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/91899787/wellington-saints-ease-past-nelson-giants-despite-finn-delaneys-best-efforts|title=Wellington Saints ease past Nelson Giants, despite Finn Delany's best efforts|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=25 April 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} On 19 May, he scored a career-high 30 points in a 109–94 win over the Southland Sharks.{{cite web|last=Hyslop|first=Liam|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/92778434/third-quarter-blast-sees-wellington-saints-power-past-southland-sharks|title=Third quarter blast sees Wellington Saints power past Southland Sharks|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 May 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} He helped the Saints return to the grand final, where he set a new career high with 31 points in a 108–75 win over the Sharks to win another championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/NBL-News/saints-create-history-claiming-their-tenth-title|title=SAINTS CREATE HISTORY CLAIMING THEIR TENTH TITLE|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=17 June 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} He subsequently earned Finals MVP honours.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Niall|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11878317|title=Basketball: Wellington Saints complete perfect NBL season|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=17 June 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}} He was also named All-Star Five. For the season, he averaged career highs with 16.1 points, 6.5 assists and 2.3 steals, to go with 4.2 rebounds while appearing in all 20 games.

Ili re-joined the Saints for the 2018 season.{{cite web|last=Hislop|first=Liam|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/102279980/new-look-but-same-old-wellington-saints-back-in-search-of-a-threepeat|title=New look, but same Wellington Saints back in search of a three-peat|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=15 March 2018|access-date=15 March 2018}} In the Saints' season opener on 27 April, Ili recorded game highs of 32 points and 10 assists in a 113–108 loss to the Southland Sharks.{{cite web|last=Hislop|first=Liam|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/103444541/southland-sharks-end-wellington-saints-unbeaten-run-at-24|title=Southland Sharks end Wellington Saints' unbeaten run at 24|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 April 2018|access-date=27 April 2018}} He went on to earn Player of the Week honours for rounds five{{cite web|url=http://www.nznbl.basketball/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018-National-Basketball-League-Media-Guide-Round-Six.pdf|title=2018 National Basketball League Media Guide Round Six|work=nznbl.basketball|access-date=30 May 2018}} and seven.{{cite web|url=http://www.nznbl.basketball/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-National-Basketball-League-Media-Guide-Round-Eight.pdf|title=2018 National Basketball League Media Guide Round Eight|work=nznbl.basketball|access-date=14 June 2018}} He helped the Saints reach the grand final,{{cite web | last=Hislop | first=Liam | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/105990158/wellington-saints-first-team-through-to-nbl-final | title=Wellington Saints first team through to NBL final after downing Hawke's Bay Hawks | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=4 August 2018 | access-date=5 August 2018}} where they lost 98–96 loss to the Sharks, despite Ili's game-high 27 points.{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/105976100/live-wellington-saints-v-southland-sharks--nbl-grand-final | title=Reuben Te Rangi leads Southland Sharks to thrilling NBL final win over Wellington Saints | work=Stuff.co.nz | date=5 August 2018 | access-date=5 August 2018}}{{cite web | last=Anderson | first=Niall | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12101636 | title=Basketball: Southland Sharks beat Wellington Saints in superb final to win NBL title | work=nzherald.co.nz | date=5 August 2018 | access-date=5 August 2018}} In 19 games, he averaged a career-high 22.2 points to go with 4.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game.{{cite web | url=http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194487210&client=11-8336-114272-486261-26179688 | title=Player statistics for Shea Ili – NZNBL 2018 | work=SportsTG.com | access-date=27 August 2018 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827041859/http://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=194487210&client=11-8336-114272-486261-26179688 | archive-date=27 August 2018}} He was subsequently named league MVP.{{cite web|url=http://www.nznbl.basketball/ili-claims-mvp-delany-forward-of-the-year/|title=ILI CLAIMS MVP, DELANY FORWARD OF THE YEAR|work=nznbl.basketball|date=6 August 2018|accessdate=6 August 2018}}

Ili re-joined the Saints for the 2019 season{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/season-preview-saints-seek-redemption-in-2019/|title=SEASON PREVIEW: SAINTS SEEK REDEMPTION IN 2019|work=nznbl.basketball|date=8 April 2019|access-date=25 May 2019}}{{cite web|last=Egan|first=Brendon|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/111720626/wellington-saints-southland-sharks-hot-favourites-for-nbl-title|title=Wellington Saints, Southland Sharks hot favourites for NBL title|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=11 April 2019|access-date=25 May 2019}} and quickly cemented himself as an MVP favourite.{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/shea-ili-and-rhys-vague-lead-tab-mvp/|title=SHEA ILI AND RHYS VAGUE LEAD TAB MVP|work=nznbl.basketball|date=14 May 2019|access-date=25 May 2019}} In the Saints' semi-final against the Southland Sharks, Ili scored a game-high 32 points in a 95–89 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1304005/bs.html|title=Saints vs Sharks|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=20 July 2019|access-date=20 July 2019}} In the grand final, Ili had nine points, eight assists and five rebounds in a 78–68 victory over the Hawke's Bay Hawks to help the Saints win another championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.fibalivestats.com/u/NZN/1304007/bs.html |title=Saints vs Hawks |work=FIBALiveStats.com |date=21 July 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019}}{{cite web|last=Smith |first=Tony |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/114400236/wellington-saints-claim-record-11th-nbl-title-with-stunning-comeback-win-over-hawks |title=Wellington Saints claim 11th NBL title with stunning comeback win over Hawks |work=Stuff.co.nz |date=21 July 2019 |access-date=21 July 2019}} For the season, Ili was named Most Outstanding Kiwi Guard and All-Star Five.{{cite web|url=https://www.nznbl.basketball/seasons-best-celebrated-at-annual-awards/|title=SEASON'S BEST CELEBRATED AT ANNUAL AWARDS|work=nznbl.basketball|date=19 July 2019|access-date=19 July 2019}}

In 2021, Ili had a three-game stint with the Geelong Supercats of the NBL1 South.{{cite web|url=https://geelongsupercats.nbl1.com.au/player/e2f56806-7b55-11eb-9e56-8205bb8987e9/7f97cb08-9b8c-11eb-a30c-6efaa2ba8736/shea-ili|title=Shea Ili|work=NBL1.com.au|access-date=5 December 2021}} He joined the Sandringham Sabres of the NBL1 South for the 2022 season{{cite web|last=Badkin|first=Liam|url=https://central.rookieme.com/basketball/impressive-ili-helps-sabres-soar/|title=Impressive Ili helps Sabres soar|work=central.rookieme.com|date=12 July 2022|access-date=26 July 2022}} and won league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-south-mvp-and-dpoy-re-signs-with-sandringham/south|title=NBL1 South MVP and DPOY re-signs with Sandringham|work=NBL1.com.au|date=10 October 2022|access-date=7 March 2023}} After missing the 2023 NBL1 season due to concussion precautions,{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Felicity|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/494825/tall-blacks-guard-returns-after-concussion|title=Tall Blacks guard returns after concussion|work=rnz.co.nz|date=31 July 2023|access-date=1 August 2023}} Ili re-joined the Sandringham Sabres for the 2024 season{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-south-mvp-and-dpoy-returns|title=NBL1 South MVP and DPOY returns|work=NBL1.com.au|date=22 January 2024|access-date=24 January 2024}} and averaged 17.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.{{cite web|url=https://nbl1.com.au/article/nbl-veteran-returns-to-sabres|title=NBL veteran returns to Sabres|work=NBL1.com.au|date=20 September 2024|access-date=5 October 2024}}

In September 2024, it was reported that Ili would return to the Sabres for the 2025 NBL1 season. However, in January 2025, Ili signed with the Wellington Saints for the 2025 New Zealand NBL season.{{cite news |title=Shea Ili Returns To The Capital |url=https://www.saints.co.nz/news/article/shea-ili-returns-to-the-capital |access-date=18 January 2025 |work=www.saints.co.nz |date=17 January 2025}}

National team career

In June 2015, Ili was named in a 22-man Tall Blacks squad to trial and be considered for selection for the Oceania Series against Australia in August.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11468815|title=Basketball: Tall Blacks name extended squad for Australia series|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=21 June 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}} A month later, he was named in the final squad ahead of the team's European tour,{{cite web|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/henare-announces-touring-tall-blacks-squad|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716043919/https://www.fiba.basketball/news/henare-announces-touring-tall-blacks-squad|url-status=live|archive-date=16 July 2022|title=Henare announces touring Tall Blacks squad|work=FIBA.com|date=13 July 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}} going on to play in Game 2 of New Zealand's Oceania Series against Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/151/16/15/21/79M0s8CnScXvg/|title=Australia vs New Zealand|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=15 August 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/151/16/15/22/19SW5dc1CEpT2/|title=New Zealand vs Australia|work=FIBALiveStats.com|date=18 August 2015|access-date=20 June 2017}}

In July 2016, Ili competed for New Zealand at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila. Over the three games they played, Ili averaged 3.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.{{cite web|url=https://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/122223/sid/12526/tid/337/_/2016_FIBA_Olympic_Qualifying_Tournament/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809082002/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/122223/sid/12526/tid/337/_/2016_FIBA_Olympic_Qualifying_Tournament/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 August 2016|title=Shea Ili's profile|work=FIBA.com|access-date=20 June 2017}} It was later discovered that Ili had played through a stress fracture in his back on the Tall Blacks' tour through China, Europe and the Philippines.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/84113609/nz-breakers-will-bring-in-aussie-point-guard-to-replace-the-crocked-shea-ili|title=NZ Breakers will bring in Aussie point guard to replace the crocked Shea Ili|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=9 September 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}}

On 12 July 2017, Ili was invited to a six-day Tall Blacks camp in Auckland, ahead of a final 12-man roster being named to travel to the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon, via preparation matches in China.{{cite web|url=http://www.basketball.org.nz/News/players-invited-to-tall-blacks-camp-ahead-of-asia-cup|title=PLAYERS INVITED TO TALL BLACKS CAMP AHEAD OF ASIA CUP|work=Basketball.org.nz|date=12 July 2017|access-date=12 July 2017}} Ili went on to average a team-high 15.5 points, 5.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds for the Tall Blacks during the FIBA Asia Cup, and was subsequently named to the tournament's All-Star Five. The Tall Blacks finished the tournament in fourth place after losing to South Korea in the bronze medal game; Ili missed the game after splitting the webbing on his hand during the semi-final defeat to Australia.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/95996759/shea-ili-enhances-reputation-after-standout-campaign-with-tall-blacks-in-beirut|title=Shea Ili enhances reputation after standout campaign with Tall Blacks in Beirut|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=21 August 2017|access-date=21 August 2017}}

In November 2017 and February 2018, Ili represented the Tall Blacks during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Niall|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11947340|title=Basketball: Lacklustre Tall Blacks humbled by South Korea|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=23 November 2017|access-date=28 February 2018}} On 16 March 2018, he was named in the Tall Blacks squad for the Commonwealth Games.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Niall|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12014017|title=Basketball: Tall Blacks name Commonwealth Games squad|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=16 March 2018|access-date=16 March 2018}} He helped the Tall Blacks win bronze at the Commonwealth Games.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/commonwealth-games/103116573/tall-blacks-topple-scotland-to-capture-bronze-at-commonwealth-games|title=Tall Blacks take Commonwealth Games bronze with win over Scotland|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=15 April 2018|access-date=15 April 2018}} In May 2018, he won both the outstanding New Zealand men's player and the 2017 MVP award at Basketball New Zealand's annual awards night.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/104046219/shea-ili-jillian-harmon-grab-the-big-prizes-at-basketball-nzs-awards-night|title=Shea Ili, Jillian Harmon grab the big prizes at Basketball NZ's awards night|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 May 2018|access-date=20 May 2018}} In August 2018, he re-joined the Tall Blacks for two more qualifiers in September.{{cite web|last=Rollo|first=Phillip|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/106655491/corey-webster-to-miss-tall-blacks-world-cup-qualifiers-as-he-settles-back-into-nz|title=Corey Webster to miss Tall Blacks' World Cup qualifiers as he settles back into NZ|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=29 August 2018|access-date=30 August 2018}}

Ili played at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and took part in qualifiers in 2021 and 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/217716/Shea-Ili|title=Shea Ili|work=fiba.basketball|access-date=1 August 2023}}

In July 2023, Ili was named in the Tall Blacks squad for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://nz.basketball/tall-blacks-squad-of-14-named-for-world-cup-prep-tour/|title=TALL BLACKS SQUAD OF 14 NAMED FOR WORLD CUP PREP TOUR|work=nz.basketball|date=31 July 2023|access-date=1 August 2023}} In May 2024, he won both the New Zealand male player of the year and the 2023 MVP award at Basketball New Zealand's annual awards night.{{cite web|url=https://nz.basketball/bbnz-awards-honour-new-zealands-basketball-heroes/|title=BBNZ AWARDS HONOUR NEW ZEALAND'S BASKETBALL HEROES|work=nz.basketball|date=3 May 2024|access-date=4 May 2024}}

In May 2025, Ili was named in the Tall Blacks squad for a trans-Tasman series against Australia.{{cite news |title=INTRODUCING THE TRANS-TASMAN THROWDOWN SQUADS {{!}}Basketball New Zealand |url=https://nz.basketball/coaches-name-their-squads-for-the-trans-tasman-throwdown/ |access-date=10 May 2025 |work=nz.basketball |date=6 May 2025 |language=en-AU}}

Personal life

Ili is of Samoan descent.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8LsdUHdAbc|title=TAGATA PASIFIKA – Samoan Breaker Shea Ili|work=YouTube.com|publisher=Tagata Pasifika|date=13 October 2017|access-date=12 June 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BiF1BxEnlTS/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BiF1BxEnlTS |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Shea Ili|work=Instagram|date=28 April 2018|access-date=12 June 2018}}{{cbignore}} His father and members of his mother's family hail from Samoa.{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Roy|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/melbourne-united-chase-bench-boost-from-ili-acuil-ahead-of-bullets-clash-20191123-p53dds.html|title=Melbourne United chase bench boost from Ili, Acuil ahead of Bullets clash|work=smh.com.au|date=23 November 2019|access-date=10 March 2022}} His older brother, Stacey, is a professional rugby union player.{{cite web|last=Small|first=Daragh|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/i-miss-home-i-miss-the-food-but-i-am-enjoying-life-out-west-35580563.html|title='I miss home, I miss the food, but I am enjoying life out west'|work=Independent.ie|date=31 March 2017|access-date=20 June 2017}}

In March 2016, Ili married Morgan Roberts, a former Oregon Tech University basketball scholarship holder.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11609828|title=Basketball: Hectic time for point guard Ili|work=NZHerald.co.nz|date=22 March 2016|access-date=20 June 2017}} The couple have two children.{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/108858984/breakers-in-freefall-as-they-plunge-to-fourth-straight-anbl-defeat-in-perth|title=Breakers in freefall as they plunge to fourth straight ANBL defeat in Perth|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=25 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018|quote=...and Breakers playmaker Shea Ili staying in New Zealand for the birth of his first child.}}{{cite web|last=Hinton|first=Marc|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300095489/coronavirus-tall-black-shea-ili-opens-up-on-covid19-experience-bringing-family-home|title=Coronavirus: Tall Black Shea Ili opens up on Covid-19 experience, bringing family home|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=31 August 2020|access-date=6 September 2020}}

References

External links

[https://nbl.com.au/player/7694/42057/shea-ili NBL profile]
[https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=206678854&client=0-8336-199745-532987-26513976 NZNBL stats (2012–18)]
[https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/96185797/tall-blacks-standout-shea-ili-eyes-breakthrough-season-in-australian-nbl "Tall Blacks standout Shea Ili eyes breakthrough season in Australian NBL"] at stuff.co.nz
[https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/98951955/shea-ili-keeps-on-building-to-emerge-as-a-major-player-in-breakers-title-quest "Shea Ili keeps on building to emerge as a major player in Breakers' title quest"] at stuff.co.nz
[https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/105016634/globetrotting-shea-ili-comes-back-to-earth-for-tall-blacks-doubleduty-assignment "Globetrotting Shea Ili comes back to earth for Tall Blacks' double-duty assignment"] at stuff.co.nz
[https://nbl.com.au/news/defence-first-the-shea-ili-impact "Defence First: The Shea Ili Impact"] at nbl.com.au

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