Hickey on the Rise

It was one of the tougher seasons for Illawarra Hawks in 2023, but Hawks fans had some shining lights and something to look forward to in NBL24.  

Take William Hickey for example.

A proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi/Gomeroi, Hickey grew up between Redfern and the small country towns of Cowra and Walgett. Originally playing rugby league at a younger age, Hickey watched his brother grow fond of basketball, and Hickey shortly followed in his footsteps.

“Completely dropped it for basketball, just fell in love with it. Just everything about it, ball in your hands, it’s skills in your hands that you don’t really see in other sports” Hickey said. 

Hickey displayed talent and was eager to show off his sharp court vision, tough handles, and impressive athleticism. His persistence paid off, earning several youth accolades to his name, including two MVP awards in his three years at the Sydney Comets (2015-2017), participation in the NSW CIS and CAS school tournaments as well as representing NSW in the U20 State team in 2017.

Hickey was later signed as a development player in the 19/20 season by the South East Melbourne Phoenix, where he would debut at just 20 years of age. The following season, Davo signed with cross town rivals Melbourne United also as a development player, hitting the court for 7 games in 2021/22.

In NBL23 Hickey joined the Illawarra Hawks initially as a development player, before being elevated to a full-time roster spot . A club like the Hawks seemed like the perfect fit for Hickey, alongside a new look team and head coach Jacob Jackomas.

The Hawks season did not quite go as planned due to a horror run of injuries including 4 imports down for the count. Jackomas needed to dig deep into the bench, where the team quickly adopted a next man up mentality.

Hickey patiently waited for his opportunity, and when Jackomas gave him the call, he answered with open arms. Hickey naturally displayed the qualities of Hawks branded basketball; gritty, tough and commitment to your teammates. His ability to turn defence into offence from the flick of a switch became something of the norm for the point guard. Hickey’s display of brilliance when hitting the court is something that fans would become accustomed to.

Easing the load off co-captains Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling, Hickey afforded the team to play a more open style of basketball. It was satisfying to see him warm into his newfound role, a floor marshal for a team which showed a valiant effort, to leave it all on the floor every game. This led Hickey to achieving a career high performance of 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists against the Cairns Taipans in round 15.

The point guards’ stocks in the NBL are rising, and he was rewarded at the completion of the season with a one-year extension for NBL24.

"Davo became an important part of our rotation during NBL23, and his signature was a priority for us as we build our roster for the new season.", said Jackomas.

"We love his ability to defend multiple positions and his natural feel for the game on the offensive side of the ball. Davo took some great strides last season, and we look forward to seeing him take another leap and establish himself as a regular contributor at the NBL level."

DAVO’S BACK!

Hawks are thrilled to announce the re-signing of William Hickey for #NBL24 🦅

Read more at https://t.co/JymfjFETNf #HawkNation pic.twitter.com/LZvkj8gsmv

— Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) February 21, 2023

The beginning of Hickey’s season, a stark contrast to the final moments. A man who came off the bench for a matter of minutes, was now a core starter of a Hawks team, keeping a familiar brand of basketball pulsating throughout the WIN Entertainment Centre.

"While the season was challenging, I tried to stay ready and was determined to take full advantage of the opportunities that Jacob and the coaches provided me”, Hickey said.

"We have a great group, and I am excited to continue developing here at the Hawks." 

In NBL24, Hickey will look to capitalise on his best season yet in professional basketball, becoming a part of a young dynamic core for Hawks faithful to witness for years to come.