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Legends Profiles

This page honours the players who have left an indelible mark on the Illawarra Hawks, from the early days of the Snakepit to the modern era. These legends include those celebrated as the “Greatest Hawks of All Time,” milestone achievers, and award-winning performers who helped shape the club’s identity. Explore their stories and celebrate the men who defined Hawks basketball.

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Inclusion Criteria:

  1. “Greatest Hawks of All Time” Vote (2018): This vote, conducted jointly by the Hawks and the Illawarra Mercury, involved a panel of experts and fans selecting the most influential players in club history.

  2.  100-Game Players: Players who reached the milestone of 100 games for the Hawks, recognising their longevity and dedication to the club.

  3. NBL Award Winners: Players who earned prestigious NBL accolades, including MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, or Sixth Man of the Year, are also highlighted.

Nominees

  • Jerry Steurer (import)

  • Bob Kubbinga

  • Benny Lewis (import)

  • Jim Bateman (import)

  • Don Bickett (import)

  • Alphonse Hammond (import)

  • Greg Hubbard

  • Justin Withers

  • Rod Johnson

  • Dene Macdonald

  • Butch Hays (import)

  • CJ Bruton

  • Clayton Ritter (import)

  • Damon Lowery

  • Charles Thomas (import)

  • Axel Dench

  • Matt Garrison (import)

  • Adam Ballinger (import)

  • Cortez Groves (import)

  • Tim Coenraad

  • Gary Ervin (import) MVP

  • Oscar Forman

  • Larry Davidson

  • Rhys Martin

  • AJ Ogilvy

  • Kevin Lisch (import) MVP

  • Kirk Penney

  • Nick Kay

100 Game players

if not listed above from the 2018 Greatest Hawks of All Time campaign.

  • Todd Blanchfield

  • Adam Caporn

  • Eric Cooks

  • Tyson Demos

  • Sam Froling

  • Dave Gruber (import)

  • Daniel Grida

  • Tyler Harvey (import)

  • Daniel Jackson

  • Emmett Naar

  • Troy Pilon

  • John Philp

  • Peter Rowsell

  • Kevin White

Other NBL Award Winners

NBL Awards winners, if not listed from the 2018 Greatest Hawks of All Time campaign or as 100 Gamers.

  • Cameron Tragardh 2007/08 - Most Improved Player

  • Kavossy Franklin – 2007/08 - 3rd Team

  • Tywain McKee – 2009/10 - All-NBL First Team

  • Adris Deleon – 2012/13 - NBL Best Sixth Man Award

  • Demitrius Conger – 2017/18 - All-NBL First Team

  • Lamelo Ball – 2019/20 - Rookie of the Year

  • Justin Simon – 2020/21 - DPOY

  • Antonius Cleveland – 2021/22 - DPOY & All-NBL First Team

  • Gary Clark – 2023/24  - All-NBL First Team

  • Trey Kell III - 2024/25 - All-NBL First Team

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