Swaka Lo Buluk ready to take flight with Hawks

The Illawarra Hawks' flight towards a second NBL championship banner continued to gain momentum on Friday, with the foundation club unveiling the exciting signing of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk.

Fresh off his third NBL championship, the Sudanese-born forward decided to join the Hawks from the Kings because he believes in the project - led by Jacob Jackomas.

"I've known Jacob and a couple of the guys in the squad for a couple of years now and the fit just felt right at the Hawks," Swaka Lo Buluk said.

"The Hawks have got a really exciting young core, who have gotten close the past few seasons and I can sense the club is building something special, which is why I was so keen to join.

"Having spoken to most of the boys who will be at the club next year, we're all keen to get to work and bring a second banner to Wollongong."

The Perth talent, who joins the likes of Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Daniel Grida, Akoldah Gak and Alex Mudronja on the roster in 2022-23, believes he can bring numerous traits to the group, including championship pedigree.

"Having been fortunate to be part of three championships, including last year with Sydney, I know firsthand what it takes to go all the way and I intend to bring that mentality each and every time I step on the floor with the Hawks," said the 20-year-old, who plans to arrive in Wollongong in August.

"I've always tried to be one that leads by example and I intend to do that at the Hawks.

"I'll also be there to offer advice to my teammates on those sacrifices, while also conversely listening to them on other aspects, which can help improve my game."

While establishing himself as one of the premier defenders in the competition, the former Australian Institute of Sport graduate admits there's still plenty of growth left in his game.

"To me, my defence still needs improvement, which I'm confident can happen under Jake and the other coaches," said Swaka Lo Buluk, who will line up for Rip City in the NBL1 North competition this year.

"Ever since [Brian] Goorjian arrived and now under Jake, the Hawks make you work for every single basket and I believe I can help strengthen the side on that end of the court.

"Offensively, I want to become more consistent in hitting the open jump shots when they present themselves in both training and the games, as well as making the right reads and plays with and without the basketball in my hands.

"If I do that and continue to improve, it'll help make our side more dangerous and help us get closer to the end goal, which of course is another championship.

"I'm not one to look too far down the road, rather concentrate on the day-to-day grind and getting better each and every day, which can help achieve those long-term goals."