Mangok Mathiang and Hawks Agree to Mutual Release

The Illawarra Hawks and centre Mangok Mathiang have agreed to a mutual release from the remainder of his NBL23 contract.

The release will allow Mathiang to take up a new opportunity internationally.

The NBL23 season was Mathiang’s first professional campaign since breaking his tibia and fibula while playing for Cedevita Olimpija in 2020.

“While we are disappointed to lose a player and person of Mangok’s calibre, we are supportive of the opportunity to pursue his career internationally”. Said GM of Basketball Mat Campbell.

“Mangok joined the club with a want to return to an elite level, and we are proud of the collective efforts of our staff to help him achieve that”. 

“Our strength and conditioning team are some of the best in the country, and they, along with Jacob [Jackomas] and his staff, helped Mangok become a regular contributor for the squad”.

“Mangok was a popular teammate and a fan favourite amongst our members and corporate partners, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavour”.

“We are working hard to build an environment where our players and staff can excel and develop both professionally and personally and establish the Hawks as an organisation of choice for homegrown and import talent”.

For Mathiang, the new opportunity is bittersweet.

“My time at the Hawks and with this group of guys has exceeded all my expectations. My coaches, teammates, ownership and all the staff have made my experience in the NBL memorable, making this decision a difficult one”.

“I want to thank Hawk Nation and the people of the Illawarra who continue to support us and to everyone that made me feel so welcome”.

Lachie Dent has been added to the main roster, while local junior Harry Morris will be elevated as an injury replacement for import Michael Frazier II.

The roster change will also see more opportunities for Sam Froling and Akoldah Gak at the five position across the remaining three rounds of the NBL23 season.

The Hawks travel to Perth for a match-up with the Wildcats on Friday night before closing the season with back-to-back home games on February 2nd and February 4th.