REPORT: Hawks chase Championship Series MVP

15 Oct 2026

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Derrick Walton Jr could make an NBL return, with Illawarra chasing a point guard to fill the import spot vacated by Darius Days.

By

NBL.com.au

The Illawarra Hawks are reportedly in talks with former NBL champion Derrick Walton Jr.

ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reports the Hawks have been canvassing the import market for a point guard, with Walton Jr. among the players on their radar.

Walton Jr. played 34 games for the Sydney Kings in their NBL23 championship-winning campaign, then returned to the League for 18 games with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL25.

Across his two stints, he averaged 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists, though he was at his most dominant in Sydney. He was named to the All-NBL First Team in NBL23 and capped the season by winning the Larry Sengstock Medal as Championship Series MVP.

Illawarra parted ways with import Darius Days just one week into the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season, opening up a spot for a potential new signing.

The Illawarra Hawks have been gauging the import market for a point guard, sources told ESPN. One player I’m told the team is currently in active discussions with: Derrick Walton Jr.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) October 15, 2026