Illawarra Targeting Next Star

Illawarra head coach Jacob Jackomas has confirmed the side is interested in recruiting an NBL Next Star for NBL24, following their positive experiences with previous players LaMelo Ball and Justinian Jessup in the past.

Ball entered the NBL as one of the most high-profile draft prospects in the world in 2019, and his performances led him to be named as the NBL Rookie of the Year and earn the third selection in the 2020 NBA Draft.

He has since added the NBA Rookie of the Year and a solitary All-Star appearance to an already impressive basketball CV.

Jessup spent two seasons with the Hawks after being selected with the 51^st pick in the 2020 draft, and currently plies his trade with Zaragoza in the Spanish Liga ACB.

“We felt like we had a great experience with the last Next Star in Justinian,” Jackomas told News Corp. “While players like him don’t always come around in regard to his experience and ability we feel – for the Illawarra – it adds a bit of prestige and a spotlight on the region. A Next Star is a really good fit for us and it’s exciting to also be able to help a young guy develop while trying to win basketball games.”

The Hawks have plenty of room to manoeuvre in the upcoming free agency, with just six players currently confirmed to be wearing the uniform in NBL24.

Sam Froling, Tyler Harvey and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk all entered NBL23 on multi-year deals, and Dan Grida, ‘Davo’ Hickey and Justin Robinson have all re-signed for the club.

Jackomas says the ability to sign a Next Star could be a way to complement the side’s already committed import stars.

NBL Free Agency opens on March 30, with all team, mutual and player options needing to be confirmed by March 27.

Read the full story here >> NBL free agency and signing news 2023: Every club's roster and moves as they happen