Sworn in, locked In: Aussie Harvey's vision for Hawks resurgence

Saturday's Australian citizenship induction was a moment Illawarra Hawks star Tyler Harvey had dreamt about for some time.

After seven years in Australia and a lengthy application process, the Californian-born guard was inducted during a special ceremony in Wollongong, surrounded by family and club officials.

"Becoming a citizen here [in Australia] is a blessing," Harvey said to the Nine's Wide World of Sports.

"I love it here and this place has been home for me for the last seven years.

"It was truly a special day to finally get that [on Saturday]."

With Harvey now becoming an Australian citizen, he will be considered as a 'local' for the Hawks in their roster build.

This gives them flexibility and the ability to sign three other imports, including NBL champions Darius Days and Milton Doyle, as well as Kelan Martin, who was announced as the club's third import on Monday.

With these players on the roster, as well as the likes of Sam Froling, Will Hickey and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Harvey expects the NBL25 champions to return to form during the Hungry Jack's 2026-27 campaign.

"We really are going to be a fast-paced team, and get back to playing Hawks basketball," he said.

"I think last year we got a little bit away from that.

"We're looking forward to having a bounce back year from what we had last year.

"There were some highs and there were some lows, but it's a new beginning this year and we look forward to hopefully bringing another championship here in the Gong."

Another big element of that bounce back Harvey says is coach Justin Tatum, who is entering his fourth year at the helm.

"When you have a coach that trusts your ability out there on the court and just guides you, that's comforting," he said.

"Sometimes there are coaches that restrict your ability as a player and it's tough to play in those situations, but playing for him the last couple years has been great.

"He's brought out the best in me and he's always just wanted to help me improve, which is always the goal, doesn't matter how old you are or how long you've been playing."

Fans will get to see the Hawks in action this week at the 2026 CODE Sports NBL Blitz, playing against Adelaide (Thursday, September 3) and Melbourne (Sunday, September 6).

The Hawks open their Hungry Jack's NBL27 campaign against New Zealand at Spark Arena on Sunday, September 20.