Former Hawk Andersen joins NBL front office

The NBL is excited to welcome Australian basketball legend and former Illawarra Hawk David Andersen to the league’s front office. 

Andersen recently began in his role as NBL special projects and player liaison after announcing his retirement in October. 

“We are so excited to officially welcome David to the NBL,” NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“David’s role is intended to help us learn more from our players, past and present, as to how we can continue to improve the league. 

“Feedback from the players – whether it be positive or constructive criticism – is crucial to the continued growth of our competition and business. 

“The knowledge and experience of our players is invaluable and will help us address issues in a timely manner, identify opportunities for mutual benefit, and attract and retain the best talent. 

“If the league thrives, our players thrive and vice versa, and we are looking forward to David helping us along this journey.” 

Andersen made his professional debut for the Wollongong Hawks in 1999 (playing 25 matches) and went on to have a long and distinguished career in Europe, the NBA and with the Australian Boomers before returning to the NBL where he went on to win two championships with Melbourne United and had a second stint with the Hawks - playing 44 games across two seasons.

Andersen became a staple of the Boomers’ program after his debut at the 2003 Olympic Qualifying FIBA Oceania Championship. 

He played for his country until 2017 and participated at four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). Throughout his career, Andersen won 22 championships or cups and enjoyed a stint in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Hornets from 2009-2011. “I’m very excited to start at the NBL as special projects and player liaison,” Andersen said.

“I hope my experience and insight from a player’s perspective will make the NBL even more enticing for other players and sponsors to jump on board and keep this league growing and gaining more attention, whether local or from abroad.”