Shea Ili isn't completely free of the vertigo-like symptoms that have kept him sidelined for most of the NBL season but feels ready to provide the spark Melbourne United need to turn their fortunes around.
Ili managed just three appearances before being struck down by a vestibular disorder last month and sat on the sidelines as United staggered to a 5-10 record.
A five-game losing skid has pushed their campaign to the brink ahead of Saturday night's home game against the Brisbane Bullets (4-8).
Ili is no stranger to extended periods out of action having endured serious back and ankle injuries in the past, but the 30-year-old guard's latest issue wasn't so straightforward.
There were initial fears around possible concussion and United's medical staff took a cautious approach.
"It wasn't a hit directly to the head, so we weren't too concerned there, it was more my vestibular system," Ili told reporters on Thursday.
"(It affected) my balance, (made me) foggy and dizzy, I just felt all those symptoms throughout my time out.
"I'm just happy to be back and healthy to help out the boys."
Ili proved his fitness in a practice game this week but is still managing some ongoing effects of the vestibular disorder.
"It took a while for my symptoms to ease," he said.
"Some days I'd feel really great and the next I'd feel really foggy and just had no energy.
"I kind of got through it and I'm here today.
"This morning I felt a bit foggy but once I get going, I'm alright."
Ili will return to the United line-up with centre Isaac Humphries, who missed two games with COVID-19.
It gives coach Dean Vickerman a full roster to utilise for the first time this season against the Bullets.
Ili will be reintroduced on limited minutes but is determined to bring his trademark defensive energy to United's group from the outset.
"I feel like that will create our pace going down the other end," he said.
"If everyone buys in to what the coaches have for us every week, I feel like we can get some wins and create a winning streak that will get us into the play-offs."
