Hawks dig deep in hunt for back-to-back titles

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Illawarra’s refreshed roster, led by JaVale McGee and Jonah Bolden, aims for back-to-back NBL titles as depth and versatility headline the NBL26 season.

Four Championship players have departed, but the Illawarra Hawks believe their refreshed roster is primed to defend their title.

With JaVale McGee and Jonah Bolden bringing a wealth of international experience, the Hawks head into the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season boasting one of the most talented lineups in the league.

It’s not just about the starting five; the strength lies in the entire unit.

"I still think we've got the deepest roster out of any of the teams, even though we still have an import and local spot to fill,” the club’s Head of Basketball Operations Mat Campbell told the Illawarra Mercury.

"The team is probably a bit more defensively oriented than last year's, but certainly potent enough offensively. It is going to be an exciting year. You never know how it will go until we play some games, but I'm excited about what I've seen so far."

Depth is shaping up to be the Hawks’ greatest weapon, with Todd Blanchfield, Mason Peatling, Will Hickey, Dan Grida back for more, and returning big man Harry Froling bringing valuable NBL experience to the roster.

Campbell noted that other clubs are already trying to replicate Illawarra’s formula for success heading into the NBL26 season.

Three-time NBA champion McGee will miss the CODE Sports NBL Blitz while recovering from pneumonia, delaying his arrival in Australia, but it set to be back for the regular season.

With Bolden alongside him, Campbell believes the Hawks will field one of the “longest” and most versatile teams in the league.

The final import signing, set to replace All-NBL First Teamer Trey Kell III, now stands as a crucial piece in their bid for back-to-back Championships.

"It's a real balancing act, between just trying to win games and driving our program to be better for the next three, four, five years,” Campbell added. "So just trying to get the right import that's got the right personality and skill set to support our Australian content."

The Hawks tip off their pre-season campaign against Adelaide on Wednesday night in Canberra, with tip-off from 8pm AEST.

Watch every game of the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, live on Disney+ and Kayo.

Read the full story here >> 'We have the deepest roster': Hawks' ominous warning to NBL rivals