Hawks Add Development Player Luca Yates

Emerging talent Luca Yates has joined the Illawarra Hawks as a development player for the next three NBL seasons.

A product of the NBA Global Academy, the 19-year-old Yates is a strong inside presence and is regarded as one of the more promising young big men in the country.

At 6'10 and 102kgs, Yates excels on the offensive and defensive boards and has a soft and skilled touch around the basket. 

Currently playing for Townsville in the NBL1 North competition, Yates has been a consistent performer for the Heat, averaging 14.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell sees great potential in the talented big man from North Queensland.

"We have been tracking Luca's progress for a few seasons now and are thrilled to welcome him to the Hawks," said Campbell.

"Luca is already an elite rebounder and has a great understanding of the game. He has been able to add a perimeter shot this season, and we look forward to his development here in Illawarra."

For Yates, who generated significant interest from several clubs around the league, the Hawks provided the perfect platform to begin his professional career.

"I am excited to join a club with such a rich history and a proven record in developing frontcourt talent," said Yates.

"The club has been really active in free agency, and I love the vision of Coach Jackomas and his staff, so it's a thrill to be joining the group for NBL24."

"The opportunity to work daily with one of the country's best Australian centres in Sam Froling is one I couldn't pass up, and I look forward to learning and developing my game under his tutelage."

Yates joins local Illawarra junior Harry Morris and point guard Biwali Bayles as development players for the new season.