Hawks' internationals return home from FIBA break

The Illawarra Hawks have recently had 5 players represent their countries during this seasons FIBA Break. Sam Froling took William 'Davo' Hickey and Lachlan Olbrich under his wing with the Australian Boomers team as they Qualified for the 2025 AsiaCup. Hyung Jung Lee represented his home country Korea in front of a huge home crowd in Goyang and Kuany Kuany pulled on the South Sudan jersey for the first time playing in the Afrobasket 2025 Qualifiers in Senegal.

We caught up with them all  upon their arrival home before our Heritage Round home game this Saturday, 7:30pm against the number 2 on the NBL ladder, the NZ Breakers.

William 'Davo' Hickey

Q: What was the experience like representing your country for the first time as a Boomer?

A: It's a moment that'll stick with me. It is a experience with an elite group of guys that i will cherish

Q: How was it matching up with your Hawks teammate Hyun Jung Lee?

A: Lee's a competitor man, first time actually we've played at the opposing ends of each other. Definitely something I'll never forget.

Sam Froling

Q: What was the experience link representing your country once again and being able to take the floor with your Hawks teammates Davo, and Lachie?

A: Anytime you wear the green and gold is a great honour, and to do it with two of my current teammates was super special. How hard they've worked to get to where they are made me proud when they got their jerseys and first minutes as a boomer.

Q: How was it matching up and competing against your Hawks teammate Hyun Jung Lee?

A: Playing Lee was good fun, it was cool to see him playing in his home country and perform at the level he did. Glad we got a win over a tough Korean squad!

Hyun Jung Lee

Q: What was the experience like representing your country in front of your home fans and family?

A: Always a big honour to represent my country. First time playing in front of home fans and they showed crazy love and support just like I played in the Gong. 

Q: How was it matching up with your Hawks teammates Lachy, Frols and Davo?

A: It was a weird feeling but also a wholesome moment for sure. I’m also happy to see guys represent their own countries and this is such a blessing.

Kuany Kuany

Q: What was the experience like representing your country for the first time?

A: It was an amazing experience, it’s something that’s I’ve dreamed about doing, to have earned an opportunity from Luol Deng and the SSBFED (The South Sudanese Basketball Federation) to represent my country, my family and the Hawks was a blessing from God. Though the games are passed now, I still remember walking into the locker room In Dakar, Senegal after many hours of travel and putting on my jersey for the first time, that’s a memory that will play in my mind forever. Playing for South Sudan is bigger than basketball, it’s an honour, a brotherhood. Also with everything that has happened in South Sudans past with the war and other conflicts, this gives us hope of a better future and to see so many people from South Sudans tuning in to the watch the games and support us was great and motivating this added to my many other motivators such as knowing my family was back home watching me play even though it was past midnight for them.

Q: What is the one thing you will take out of this experience and bring back with you to the Hawks?

A: From this experience I’ll bring back a new level of joy for the game, even though I already play with great joy and a smile on my face, this experience has taught me to truly cherish every moment you get to be on the court. Its boosted my confidence and drive to continue to improve my game.

Lachlan Olbrich

Q: What was the experience like representing your country for the first time as a Boomer?

A: Representing the green and gold for the first time was an unforgettable experience. The opportunity to represent my country and compete against teams from around the world is something I’ll cherish forever. Hopefully first of many.

Q: How was it matching up with your Hawks teammate Hyun Jung Lee?

A: Seeing Lee out there with us in Korea made the experience even more special. Watching him perform at the highest level for his country was not only a source of pride as a teammate, but it also fuelled my own drive to win and compete.

HAWKS VS BREAKERS
THU 28 NOV | 7:30PM
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