ILLAWARRA / WOLLONGONG
Glen Saville #12
HAWKS ID: 81
Debut Season: 1995
Games Played: 527 (Hawks All-time leader)
When you talk about Glen Saville, you’re talking about the backbone of the Illawarra Hawks, a player who not only defined an era but also exemplified what it means to be a professional.
Saville wasn’t just a contributor; he was the embodiment of the team’s ethos for nearly two decades, making his mark with a workmanlike approach that resonated deeply with the fans and the game itself.
NBL Awards
NBL Grand Final MVP:
2000/01
All-NBL Second Team:
2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2008/09, 2010/11
All-NBL Third Team:
2000/01, 2005/06, 2009/10
NBL Best Defensive Player Award:
2002/03
In the early years of his career, Saville modelled his game on Scottie Pippen. Much like Pippen, Saville prided himself on being the ultimate two-way player. He was a defensive nightmare for opponents, capable of locking down multiple positions with his length, athleticism, and basketball IQ.
His defensive prowess wasn’t just an added bonus—it was central to his identity as a player. Saville’s commitment to defense earned him the NBL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2002/03, a testament to his ability to dominate games without necessarily filling up the scoring column - though he did lead the team in scoring four seasons, 2001/02, 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2008/09.
But Saville’s impact wasn’t confined to the defensive end. He was an elite athlete, and his ability to rise above the rim for a thunderous dunk or swoop in for a chase-down block was unparalleled. Alongside Sam Mackinnon, Saville was one of the most explosive players in the NBL during the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Saville provided endless jaw-dropping moments—whether it was a posterizing dunk over an unsuspecting defender or a highlight-reel block that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Starting his career with the Hawks in 1995, Saville quickly established himself as a player who could be relied upon in every situation. Over 18 seasons, he played in NBL 563 games, with 527 of those in the red, white, and black of the Hawks.
As his career progressed, Saville continued to evolve. Much like Pippen later in his career, Saville added a reliable three-point shot to his arsenal. In fact, he became so proficient from beyond the arc that he led the league in three-point shooting percentage during the 2009/10 season. This development made him even more dangerous on the offensive end, forcing defenders to respect his outside shot while still having to account for his ability to drive and create for others.
Saville’s bond with longtime teammate Mat Campbell was a cornerstone of the Hawks’ success. The duo first teamed up as junior teammates in Bendigo, where they began forging the chemistry that would later define their careers in Illawarra. When they both joined the Hawks in the mid-’90s, their connection only deepened. Saville’s versatility and athleticism perfectly complemented Campbell’s sharpshooting and defensive tenacity. Together, they became the heart and soul of the Hawks, leading the team through some of its most successful years.
The pinnacle of Saville’s career undoubtedly came during the 2000/2001 season when he and Campbell led the Hawks to their first and only NBL championship. In the Grand Final series against the Townsville Crocodiles, Saville was a difference-maker, delivering when it mattered most and earning the NBL Finals MVP award. This achievement was a fitting acknowledgment, and it cemented his place as a true Hawks legend.
Photo gallery - scroll through or click image to full size.
But Saville’s impact wasn’t confined to the NBL. He was also a key member of the Australian Boomers, representing his country in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. Playing at the highest level internationally, Saville continued to demonstrate the qualities that made him a standout player—toughness, reliability, and a team-first mentality. His contributions to the national team further solidified his legacy as one of Australia’s finest basketball players.
Glen Saville vs Team USA, 2008 Beijing Olympics | Photo by Joel Armstrong
When the then Wollongong Hawks retired his number 12 jersey, it was more than just a ceremonial gesture. It was an acknowledgment of a player who had given everything to the franchise—a player who, through his dedication and performance, had become synonymous with the team itself. And in 2023, his induction into the Basketball NSW Hall of Fame was a fitting capstone to a career that was undeniably impactful.
Glen Saville may not have been the highest scorer on the court, but he was a do-it-all leader who made his presence felt in every facet of the game. A tenacious lockdown defender, he could shut down the opposition’s best player one moment and spark a fast break the next. A high flyer who threw down dunks, swatted shots, and soared for rebounds, he played with flair—though never for theatrics. His impact was built on substance, not flash.
He led by example, played the game the right way, and left an indelible mark on the Hawks and Australian basketball as a whole.
In the end, that’s what makes a true legend.