REPORT: Forward nears Australian citizenship

05 Nov 2026

illawarra hawks

Lamar Patterson’s reported citizenship test pass could free up an import spot for the Illawarra Hawks.

By

NBL.com.au

Months after Tyler Harvey was granted Australian citizenship, another Illawarra Hawk is reportedly set to follow suit.

According to NBL commentator Ariana Prather, Illawarra Hawks’ Lamar Patterson passed his Australian citizenship test this week.

Once he is inducted during a ceremony, much like Harvey, Injury Replacement Player Patterson will be counted as a ‘local’ instead of an 'import' for the 3-8 Hawks.

Illawarra Hawks IRP and two-time NBL first teamer Lamar Patterson has passed his Australian Citizenship test this week. How much will this change up things if the NBL vet officially becomes an Aussie before the season ends? 😮‍💨😮‍💨👀 #NBL27 #NBL 🏀
— Ariana Prather (@arianaprather12) November 5, 2026

Patterson has 120 games in the League and has been selected to two All-NBL First Teams during that time.

Prior to this season with the Hawks, the former Bullet and Breaker dominated for Ipswich in NBL1 North, averaging 23.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.

The Hawks take on the Taipans in Cairns on Thursday night from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.