Hawks Sign Rising Star Max Darling

The Hawks have made another key addition to their roster for the 2020/21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season signing rising New Zealand youngster Max Darling to a three-year contract.

The 19-year-old, known for his athleticism and explosiveness, had enjoyed an impressive junior career, including representing New Zealand at last year’s FIBA U19 World Cup and playing professionally in Croatia over the past two seasons.

He also has a link to The Hawks Head Coach Brian Goorjian, as Darling’s former coach at the Canterbury Rams, Mark Dickel, was coached by Goorjian from 2000-2002 at the Victoria Titans.

Darling bypassed college to sign with Croatian side KK Vrijednosnice Osijek in 2018. He was averaging 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 28.4 minutes per game in the HT Premijer liga this season before it was called off due to COVID-19.

Goorjian said: “Max is one of the top prospects coming out of New Zealand. At just 19-years-old he has already represented the country at international tournaments and has made a name for himself at a professional level.

“His high energy style of play will make him a fan favourite amongst The Hawks fans and it adds another dimension to our roster.

“Max has aspirations of making the NBA in the future and believes The Hawks will help him on that journey, which is a great endorsement of the club and its exciting new direction.”

Darling joins Emmett Naar, Deng Deng, Dan Grida, Deng Adel, Sam Froling, Isaac White, Tyler Harvey and Cam Bairstow on The Hawks’ roster for the upcoming season.

Darling said: “I really can’t wait. I know some of the boys there and I’m really excited to get over.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the NBL and this is the greatest opportunity for me to do so. I’ve heard he (Goorjian) is an amazing coach and I can’t wait to get to work. I’m happy to do whatever they need from me.

“With the great coaching and the team we are going to have here, it is amazing, so I’m going to make the most of my opportunity, work hard and see where it takes me.”