Johny Narkle

The excitement machine from the Geraldton Buccaneers in the NBL1 West has worked tirelessly to now earn his first chance with the Illawarra Hawks as a development player.

Had a decision to make early in his career between basketball and Australian Football, and chose to stick with the round ball and has continued to develop tremendously with his hometown NBL1 West team in Geraldton.

Started with the Buccaneers as an 18-year-old in 2020 before testing the waters playing at WAFL club Subiaco in 2021, recommitted to basketball in 2022 and it's been a rapid rise since.

He starred in the NBL1 West championship win of 2023 earning Grand Final MVP honours and then his game went up another level in 2024 once he returned from injury.

That led into the season of his life in 2025 with him named to the All-First Team and then ultimately winning a second Grand Final MVP award for the Buccaneers while averaging 22.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.5 blocks to now earn first NBL opportunity.