Hawks sign NZNBL young gun as development player
HAVING emerged as a future star during his campaign in the NZNBL this season, Jackson Ball has crossed the Tasman to join the NBL, signing with the Illawarra Hawks as a development player for the upcoming 2025/26 fixture. Ball has been one of the biggest stars of New Zealand’s professional basketball competition, despite being only […]
Reyne returns as sharpshooter joins Taipans
THE CAIRNS Taipans have added to their perimeter presence in a big way heading into the 2025/26 NBL season, adding sharpshooter Reyne Smith to the roster as the Aussie returns after a successful stint in the college system. Smith has signed a two-year deal with the Taipans following the Tasmanian’s time honing his craft in […]
Kouakou-Heugue set to wonder as Wildcats Next Star
NOA KOUAKOU-HENGUE has become the second Frenchman to join the Perth Wildcats as an NBL Next Star, after joining the pathway for the 2025/26 season following an eye-catching stint on the international stage. A big man who brings plenty of versatility to the table, Kouakou-Heugue stands a mighty six-foot-11, and is rising as a prospect […]
Hawks backcourt trio stars in historic NBL title
THEY had been regarded as the best backcourt duo in the competition, but despite the plaudits Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III received, it was William Hickey that made it a party, as the Illawarra Hawks saluted against Melbourne United in game five of the NBL Grand Final series. Illawarra Hawks 26 34 22 32 […]
No Kell, no Froling, no worries for Hawks in game four
DESPITE losing a star before the game and then another in the second quarter, Illawarra Hawks dug deep to produce an incredible road win over Melbourne United to send the 2024/25 NBL Grand Final series to a decisive fifth game. Playing at home has become a poison chalice in the series, with the Hawks’ 80-71 […]
Dime off a dozen for Delly as United goes 2-1 up
VETERAN guard Matthew Dellavedova showed he still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve as he came up clutch when it mattered for Melbourne United in game three of the NBL Grand Final series against Illawarra Hawks tonight. The Boomers’ playmaker scored nine points in the last five minutes of the match to steer his […]
TOP 10 – NBL Next Stars
THE NATIONAL Basketball League (NBL) Next Stars program has proved fruitful as a pathway to the NBA Draft, with plenty of players reaching the top level after honing their craft in a professional competition for a season or two. There have even been a handful of players that have been selected in the Top 10, […]
RANKED | 2024/25 NBL Next Stars
IT WAS another successful season for the National Basketball League (NBL) Next Stars program, with the five players from the year’s class all honing their craft in Australia’s top competition, and capturing the attention of NBA scouts across the globe. The NBA Draft is set to take place in June, and the 2024/25 NBL season […]
NBL25 Next Star review – Malique Lewis
CEMENTING his spot in the starting lineup throughout the 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL), Next Star Malique Lewis certainly did his NBA Draft chances no harm with a strong campaign as a member of the SEM Phoenix. Lewis was well-utilised by mid-season coaching appointee Josh King, and saw plenty of court time throughout both the […]
Melbourne masterclass in second half stuns Hawks
A TREMENDOUS performance in the second half saw Melbourne United overrun the Illawarra Hawks to take game one of the Championship Series in the National Basketball League (NBL) over the weekend. Both sides advanced to the decisive series in three games, with United defeating the Perth Wildcats, while the Hawks got the better of the […]
