Former King Illawarra-Bound

Biwali Bayles is the latest player to cross the freeway between Sydney and Illawarra, with the NBL champion signing a two-year deal with the Hawks.

Bayles has signed a development player contract with the Wollongong side, following 27 games across two seasons with the Kings.

The guard spent one season at the University of Hawaii, before headingto Sydney ahead of the 2021 season, and has averaged 2.9 points and one assist per game across his NBL career so far.

"Biwali has a skillset that we know can help us in the NBL24 season, and we are excited to add another unique talent and prospect to our program," Illawarra GM of Basketball Mat Campbell said. 

"The Club continues to build an exciting on-court group for next season, and Bayles' defensive intensity and competitiveness will see him become a fan favourite with the Hawks faithful."

Bayles took a leave of absence from the Kings in January, but is looking forward to a return in NBL24. 

"I am excited to join the Hawks and am thankful to Mat, Jacob [Jackomas] and the club for providing me the opportunity to develop my game further here in the Illawarra," Bayles said. 

"I have a long-standing relationship with members of the coaching staff, and hearing of their plans for the new season, it was clear that this is where I wanted to be.

"The chance to learn from and compete with elite guards like Justin [Robinson] and Tyler [Harvey] is a welcome one, and I look forward to arriving in Wollongong and getting to work with the group."

Bayles is the latest of a raft of talent who have committed to the Hawks ahead of the new season.