Generation Next

It’s no secret that the Hawks roster has been riddled with wounds this season, with 4 out of 5 imports going out with season-ending injuries leading Head Coach Jackomas to draw on his young bench to deliver. 

Davo Hickey, Dan Grida, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Lachie Dent have increased their minutes on the court as they have become critical players in the Hawks’ most recent games. 

Get to know the Hawks’ Next Generation. 

William’ Davo’ Hickey

Hawks rising star William ‘Davo’ Hickey was initially signed as a development player but has come into his own after being elevated to the full-time roster in October.

In November, the Hawks vs. Kings game was Hickey’s first opportunity to show fans what he could accomplish on the court.

Finishing with nine points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one block in his 23 minutes of action, it’s safe to say he took advantage of the opportunity to show Hawks head coach Jacob Jackomas he made the right decision granting him a full-time spot on the squad.

Averaging 22.9 minutes of court time over the past three games, Jackomas has used Davo’s strong defensive skills and ability to drive the play.

Most notably, in the Hawks’ match-up against Cairns on January 2nd, Davo came off the bench to remind us of his skill set by delivering 14 points, five rebounds and two steals.

The 6’4 combo guard hails from Cowra, NSW and has had previous NBL experience holding development player positions with South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United.

Dan Grida

This young talent is hard to miss with his flowing mullet and increasing court presence. 

Grida made his long-awaited return from injury when the Hawks played the Kings in mid-December and has seen a significant increase in his minutes on the court over the Hawks’ past three games. 

Not only can he put up shots, but thanks to his athleticism and 6’6” stature Grida has an excellent defensive platform for Jackomas to work with. However, his relentless work ethic and activity make him the player Hawks fans should be happy to have on their side.

In round 15, Grida had a stand-out performance against the Jackjumpers, contributing 16 points and five rebounds to the Hawks’ valiant effort, confirming the Hawks’ persistence with his rehabilitation over the past two years was a worthy investment. 

After rupturing his ACL in March of 2020, reinjuring it during pre-season training in September of 2021, forcing him to miss the 2021/22 season. He was set to return to the court at the beginning of the current 2022/23 season; however, he was again unlucky with injuries, tearing his hamstring during pre-season and spending the first half of the season battling through soft tissue injuries to make it back on the court. 

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has played the majority of the season in the sixth-man role and is one of the Hawks’ key defensive players. 

Due to Michael Frazier II’s season-ending injury, Wani has become a regular in the starting line-up, with his ability to slow down the offence a massive asset to the Hawks. 

Although Wani is known majorly as a strong defensive player, he has repeatedly shown he isn’t afraid to go hard in the paint when given the opportunity. 

The 21-year-old has significant NBL experience for his young age, having played four seasons and receiving three Championship rings after starting his career with the Perth Wildcats, followed by the 2021/22 season with the Sydney Kings. 

Wani signed a 2-year deal with the Hawks this season, so Hawks fans can look forward to seeing this young talent don the black and red in NBL24. 

Lachie Dent

Illawarra local Lachie Dent is in his third season as a Hawks development player and has been called upon to step up into a more prominent point guard role this season. 

Dent only played a few games during his rookie season, averaging roughly four minutes of court time each game. In NBL22, he played only six games for an average of two minutes per game. 

Cut to the current NBL23 season, and after the Hawks lost import Justin Robinson to injury, Dent stepped into the starting line-up and used his time on the court to shine. 

Shooting at 100% in his breakout game against the Kings at the beginning of NBL23, Dent showed just what he was capable of. He ended the game with 19 points, two assists, three rebounds and one steal, solidifying that the Hawks’ investment in him as a development player over the past two seasons had paid off. 

Dent continued to perform admirably until import Peyton Siva arrived to replace Robinson in the line-up. In round 13, Siva was unfortunately injured in the Hawks’ New Year’s Eve bash against the Perth Wildcats, making room for Dent to spend more minutes on the court again.

Most recently, Dent had another solid game against the Kings, where he ended with 15 points, two assists, two rebounds and one steal. 

Three other young talented Hawks players that fans should note are Alex Mudronja, Akoldah Gak, and local junior Harry Morris. 

Despite their minimal minutes this season, the trio are ready to be called upon when their time comes, and with the starters being asked to play big minutes, Hawks fans may see more of them before the season’s end. 

NBL’s Next Generation Award 

The Hungry Jack’s NBL has recently announced the introduction of the “Next Generation Award” in replacement of the existing “Rookie of the Year” award, which allows future stars to be recognised with greater transparency. 

All players under the age of 25 on April 30th of the year of the conclusion of the relevant season are eligible to win the Next Generation Award.  

Davo, Wani and Dent are all eligible under this criterion, so Hawks fans could see one of their own take it home.