All eyes on Olbrich
25 Sep 2023
1
min read


With more than 45 NBA scouts in attendance at the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz, Lachlan Olbrich couldn't have chosen a better time to shine.
The 19-year-old scored 20 points against the Brisbane Bullets on Wednesday, then backed it up two days later with 18, six rebounds and five assists against Cairns. He couldn't have been more impressive.
The former University of California recruit was a signing coup for the Hawks in the off-season, putting pen to paper on a three year deal and his recent form is set to have NBA teams circling.
Draft insiders were raving about his performances on the Gold Coast.
View this post on Instagram
While Obrich has been a standout for the Hawks in pre-season, it's come as no surprise to coach Jacob Jackomas.
"He hasn't been a surprise at all. This is what we have expected of him," he told the Illawarra Mercury.
"As the year goes on we're expecting more and more from him, as we are of everyone on the roster."
It was an encouraging start to Illawarra's NBL24 campaign; two wins from three games as they look to bounce back from a disappointing three-win season.
Justin Robinson returned to the court from a long-term knee injury, Hyunjung Lee showed off his strong shooting, Todd Blanchfield highlighted his valuable experience in a developing team, and Tyler Harvey, well he's been a star for three seasons already.
"We got a lot out of these three games, which is good heading into our first game of the season," Jackomas said.
"Some of our performances [in the Blitz] were better than others. Even the game we lost [against Melbourne United] we took parts out of it, of what our brand is, and what isn't.
"We've got some good film now to make some corrections and then finally it is just figuring out what our rotation is going to be come game one, because we do have a bit of talent."
The Hawks will host Sydney in their season-opener on Saturday, September 30 at 8pm AEST.

27 Jul
NBL secures history-making media deal

21 Jul
Harry Froling joins brother Sam at the Illawarra Hawks
Harry Froling

20 Jul
Travis Trice returns to the NBL - signs deal with Hawks

19 Jul
Illawarra Hawks and Max Darling to go separate ways

7 Jul
Hawks go from strength to strength with key off-court acquisition

6 Jul
Hawks captain AJ Ogilvy signs on for another season
5 Jul
Four in Four for the Hawks

5 Jul
Hawks re-sign sharpshooting Isaac White

5 Jul
Hawks secure signature of Tyler Harvey for three more seasons
Tyler Harvey

5 Jul
Hawks bringing back local Lachie Dent in 2021/22

5 Jul
Boomers big man puts pen to paper on Hawks deal

16 Jun
Huge night for the Hawks as the club celebrates season 2021 in style
Tyler Harvey

14 Jun
Hawks go down swinging in semi-final loss to Wildcats - bow out of NBL21
Sam Froling
Tyler Harvey

14 Jun
Hawkeye - Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats - Semi-Final Game Three
Sam Froling
Tyler Harvey

12 Jun
Hawks drop home final to Wildcats - series heads to Game Three decider
Tyler Harvey

11 Jun
Hawkeye - Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats - Semi-Final Game Two
Sam Froling
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.


