Hunting for history: Hawks soar towards another crown

Just months after ending a two-decade title drought, the Illawarra Hawks are charging straight into the challenge of going back-to-back.

“We can't afford to look back at what we've already achieved. We must look forward to the new challenges in front of us,” Wani Swaka Lo Buluk told the Illawarra Mercury.

"It is a new season, and I imagine every team's goal is to win the Championship,” he said. "We haven't got the 2026 Championship; it's a whole new season. I'm looking forward to it, and it should be exciting."

While Justin Tatum retains key pillars of the Hawks' core such as Swaka Lo Buluk, Tyler Harvey and Championship hero Will Hickey, he will also integrate new talent and navigate fresh challenges in the lead-up to NBL26.

"The new signings are fantastic additions. I can't wait to see what happens this season,” Swaka Lo Buluk added.

One headline addition is three-time NBA Championship winner Javale McGee, one of the most high-profile signings in league history, arriving fresh from a dominant season in Puerto Rico.

Swaka Lo Buluk believes McGee will “help us a lot,” with the 7-footer set to electrify the WIN Entertainment Center on the 27th of September for the Hawks’ first home game and banner raising ceremony.

As the club continues its search for an import point guard to replace Trey Kell III, Tatum’s roster offers plenty of versatility, including the chance to give Hickey greater opportunity and responsibility.

NBL champion Pete Hooley sees a team that is building strongly and shaping for another deep Championship run.

"The reigning champs have more than enough ... it's all there for Justin Tatum to sit back and say, 'let's go get it again.'"