SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Illawarra players to pick

Squad analyser of the Illawarra Hawks plus player rankings to help you build a successful SuperCoach NBL squad for season 2024-25. Play for free.

Sam Froling is a SuperCoach workhorse. Picture: Getty

The Hawks produced an impressive showing last season, yet fell just short against Melbourne United in the playoff series.

They’ve lost their team MVP Gary Clark to opportunities in Japan and NBL Next Star AJ Johnson to the NBA however have stocked up with import Trey Kell III to fill the gaps.

STARTERS

1. Sam Froling | $350,700 | Forward

A workhorse for the Hawks, Froling enters his sixth season the top ranked SuperCoach Illawarra player. Averaged 15.4 points (56 per cent FG), 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game in NBL24, Froling sits at the costly end of the value spectrum however is a strong choice for both offensive and defensive stats. A consistent SuperCoach scorer, most games between 20 and 40 points.

Trey Kell III is a handy pick-up from Adelaide for the Hawks and scores well in fantasy. Picture: Getty

2. Trey Kell III | $363,000| Guard

The American import will make a major impact on the Illawarra line up. The 6’5 guard averaged 17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season for Adelaide. His SuperCoach value dramatically increased by $149.9k after his exceptional NBL24, rounding out the season at $411,200. Notched up a 30-plus SuperCoach score 15 times last season, peaking with a score of 69 in Round 13.

Tyler Harvey. Picture: Getty

3. Tyler Harvey | $282,200 | Guard

Entering his sixth season with the Hawks, USA-based import Harvey’s strength is his offensive game. Averaged 15.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists across NBL24, Harvey sits within the top two for Illawarra’s SuperCoach rankings. SuperCoach value ebbed and flowed in NBL24 but was on the rise in the final rounds.

Hyunjung Lee worked his way into the starting five for the Hawks. Picture: Getty

4. Hyunjung Lee | $157,000 | Guard

In his debut NBL season with the Hawks Lee earned his way into the starting five rotation. The 6’7 South Korean guard averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds. Coming out of the US collegiate program at Davidson, where Steph Curry played, Lee set himself up as one of the best shooters in college basketball. Expect his scoring to lift.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is a premier defender. Picture: Getty

4. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk | $136,300 | Forward

Recognised as a premier defender, Swaka Lo Buluk’s defensive form slightly dipped last season so we’d expect after a strong off-season, he’d have a plan to level up. Averaged 6 points, 1.2 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game across NBL24.

OFF THE BENCH

William Hickey. Picture: Getty

5. William Hickey | $106,000 | Guard

Graduating from development player to the main roster, Hickey impressed last season as he averaged 5.2 points per game (51 per cent FG), 2.9 reboundsand 1.2 assists in 12 minutes average game time, Hickey’s SuperCoach value was on the rise across the final four rounds of NBL24, jumping $35k to $140,700 at the end of the season.

Todd Blanchfield. Picture: Getty

6. Todd Blanchfield | $115,000 | Forward

Notching up 400 NBL games last season, Blanchfield remains a versatile choice off the bench. Averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds across 12.6 minutes last season. After an early knock to his SuperCoach value in NBL24, Blanchfield’s value was once again on the rise in the second half of the year.

Daniel Grida (right) rips the ball from Fabijan Krslovic of the JackJumpers. Picture: Getty

7. Daniel Grida | $96,200 | Forward

Grida enters his sixth NBL season with the Hawks. A re-aggravated knee injury left him sidelined for the second half of NBL24, however still averaged 5.2 points and 2.1 rebounds across 12.4 minutes in 10 games. One to watch as he bounces back.

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Originally published as SuperCoach NBL teams preview: Illawarra players to pick