ILLAWARRA / WOLLONGONG

Benny Lewis #7
HAWKS ID: 19
Debut Season: 1981
Games Played: 22
Benny Lewis, affectionately nicknamed "The Professor," made a memorable entrance into the NBL when he debuted with the Illawarra Hawks in 1981. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Lewis brought his American flair to the Australian league, making an immediate impact by scoring 24 points in his first game.
During his lone season with the Hawks, Lewis averaged an impressive 20.5 points per game, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his electrifying play. Paired with fellow import Mike Jones, the duo provided plenty of highlights, though the team finished the season with a 9-13 record, placing eighth in the league.
While his time in Wollongong was brief, Lewis’s NBL career spanned 10 seasons, during which he left a lasting mark on the league.