ILLAWARRA / WOLLONGONG
Greg Hubbard #33
Hawks ID:
50
Debut:
Games:
1987
174
Greg Hubbard's journey from the junior courts of Wagga Wagga to becoming one of the Illawarra Hawks' most celebrated players is a testament to his talent and dedication to the game. Hubbard made a name for himself early on, and his rise through the ranks of Australian basketball was nothing short of remarkable.
NBL Awards
NBL Rookie of the Year:
1987
Hubbard made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at the age of 20, scoring eight points in his first game. His impact was immediate, and by the end of his rookie season in 1987, he was averaging 11 points per game over 28 minutes of play. This outstanding performance earned him the NBL Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first player from the Hawks to achieve this honour.
The 1989 season marked Hubbard's breakout year, where he elevated his game to new heights, averaging 20 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. Remarkably, he remains (as of 2025) the only Australian-born guard to average over 20 points per game for the Hawks. Hubbard also joined an elite group by averaging 7 assists per game in a season, a feat only he and Geordie McLeod have accomplished as Australian players for the Hawks. (Three US born players have also averaged over 7 assists per game in a season - Darnell Mee 7.6, Andre LaFleur 7.4, Lamelo Ball 7.0)
Between 1989 and 1992, Hubbard was among the league’s top performers, leading the NBL in three-point percentage in 1990 and consistently ranking in the top five for assists. His consistent excellence during these years cemented his status as one of the premier guards in the NBL.
In 1993, Hubbard made a significant move to the Sydney Kings, the Hawks’ crosstown rivals, but returned to Illawarra in 1996. However, his second stint with the Hawks saw him limited to just 16 minutes per game due to injuries.
Hubbard’s talents weren’t confined to the domestic league; he was also a member of the Australian Boomers squad for the 1994 World Championships, gaining valuable international experience and further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier player.
Greg Hubbard’s legacy with the Illawarra Hawks is defined by his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and his pioneering role as the first Hawk to win Rookie of the Year. His contributions during the late '80s and early '90s remain a high point in the club's history, and his name is fondly remembered by Hawks fans and Australian basketball enthusiasts alike.
Photos: Illawarra Mercury
