It was big news for the Illawarra Hawks on Monday, as their star guard Tyler Harvey had his Australian citizenship approved. Per Olgun Uluc, ESPN, his swearing-in ceremony is set to follow ahead of the Hawks’ season opener. This means that the Hawks will have three import slots available to them for NBL 27, a huge boost in their championship aspirations.
The Hawks’ current roster consists of many of the core members of their championship-winning team from NBL 25, including Sam Froling, William Hickey, and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk. The current depth chart is as follows:
- PG: William Hickey
- SG: Tyler Harvey, Dan Grida, Johny Narkle
- SF: Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Todd Blanchfield, Amarco Doyle (DP)
- PF: Mason Peatling
- C: Sam Froling
Here are 3 imports the Hawks should target in order to fill the gaps in their roster:
1. Power Forward – Cole Swider
The main priority for the Hawks must be finding a power forward who can stretch the floor to pair with Sam Froling in the frontcourt. Cole Swider last played for Anadolu Efes of the Basketbol Süper Ligi in Türkiye and has an argument for being one of the most consistent shooters outside the NBA. In a bench role for Efes last season, Swider made over 41% of his three-pointers, after shooting 44.3% from deep in the G League the previous season. At 206 cm (6′9″), his frame will allow him to defend against bigger forwards in the NBL, and he works hard on the glass, averaging over 5 rebounds a game in his most recent G League season. Swider could provide the Hawks with crucial size and spacing at the 4 spot.
2. Point Guard – Daishen Nix
The next target for the Hawks should ideally be an oversized point guard who can score at three levels and facilitate. Trey Kell III was instrumental to their title run in 2025, with his ability to score in isolation and set up his teammates. While there are not many players who fit this mold perfectly, Daishen Nix could be a good option. At 193 cm (6’4”) and a massive 108 kg, the Alaska native is a physically imposing guard who can bulldoze his way to the rim at will. With the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League last season, Nix averaged 23.8 points a night alongside 6.9 assists a night, giving the Hawks an elite playmaker. Though he isn’t the same three-point threat as Trey Kell III, his combination of size and playmaking makes him a top point guard target.
3. Center / Power Forward – Jordan Dallas
With the final import slot, the Hawks have a number of options. However, unless they are able to sign a local Australian center, Sam Froling is currently the only recognized 5 man on the roster. At 208 cm (6’10”), Jordan Dallas is a highly skilled big who is effective as a rebounder and rim protector. He most recently had a few stints in the Japanese B.League, where he received limited playing time. Before that, at Slavia Prague in the Czech NBL, he averaged a solid 12.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 55.8% from the field and 46.4% from three. His ability to shoot from outside, along with his solid mobility and lateral quickness, means he would be able to play alongside Froling in a double-big lineup without congesting the paint. When Froling is on the bench, he gives the Hawks a different dynamic at center with his shooting touch and ability to block shots.
Updated Depth Chart After Signings
- PG: Daishen Nix, William Hickey
- SG: Tyler Harvey, Dan Grida, Johny Narkle
- SF: Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Todd Blanchfield, Amarco Doyle (DP)
- PF: Cole Swider, Mason Peatling
- C: Sam Froling, Jordan Dallas
