Biwali Bayles joins the Hawks as Development Player

The Illawarra Hawks are pleased to announce the signing of Biwali Bayles as a development player for the NBL24 season.

Bayles currently competes in the NBL1 North competition with the North Gold Coast Seahawks and is a product of the Centre of Excellence [COE] and Australian National Junior programs. After a successful Freshman season at the University of Hawaii, he returned to begin his NBL career with the Sydney Kings in 2021.

The 21-year-old point guard will add depth to a talented Hawks guard rotation, including Justin Robinson, Tyler Harvey, William 'Davo' Hickey, and Next Star AJ Johnson.

Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell welcomed the addition of Bayles to the roster for the coming season.

"Biwali has a skill set that we know can help us in the NBL24 season, and we are excited to add another unique talent and prospect to our program," said Campbell.

"The Club continues to build an exciting on-court group for next season, and Bayles' defensive intensity and competitiveness will see him become a fan favourite with the Hawks faithful."

For Bayles, returning to the NBL ranks with the Hawks is an opportunity he is committed to making the most of.

"I am excited to join the Hawks and am thankful to Mat, Jacob and the club for providing me the opportunity to develop my game further here in the Illawarra," said Bayles.

"I have a long-standing relationship with members of the coaching staff, and hearing of their plans for the new season, it was clear that this is where I wanted to be."

"The chance to learn from and compete with elite guards like Justin [Robinson] and Tyler [Harvey] is a welcome one, and I look forward to arriving in Wollongong and getting to work with the group."

Bayles joins local junior Harry Morris as development players for the NBL24 season.

The Hawks now have two roster spots and two development player positions available for the NBL24 season.