After spending much of the off-season out of the spotlight, the Illawarra Hawks have quickly emerged as one of the busiest teams in the NBL, confirming the return of a championship winner while also being linked to two high-profile import targets.
All of this and more in the latest edition of NBL Daily.
NBL CHAMPION RETURNS
The Illawarra Hawks have officially welcomed back championship forward Darius Days, confirming the American has signed a one-year deal to return to the club after spending last season overseas in Japan.
Days was a key member of Illawarra’s championship-winning NBL25 campaign before departing to join Japan’s B.League, where he played for the San-en Neo Phoenix.
His path to the Hawks began before the 2024-25 season while playing for the Shanghai Sharks. In a pre-season clash against Illawarra, Days produced a standout performance, scoring 22 points in just 22 minutes, an outing that clearly caught the attention of head coach Justin Tatum.
The now 26-year-old soon signed with the Hawks, beginning a journey that ultimately ended with an NBL championship.
At the time of his arrival, Days spoke of his excitement about beginning his Australian basketball journey.
“This is my first time in Australia. I am excited to be here, I have heard nothing but good things, great fans, great food and great people,” Days said.
Looking back, that quote makes his return even more significant. Days returns with a championship under his belt, greater experience and a strong understanding of the NBL after a successful first stint with the club.
Following his departure from Illawarra, Days joined the San-en Neo Phoenix in Japan’s B.League, where he averaged 12.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 22.5 minutes across 19 games while shooting 39.2% from three-point range.
His time in Japan was cut short after he and the club mutually agreed to part ways due to personal reasons. After several months away from the game, Days signed with TNT Tropang in the Philippines’ PBA as he worked his way back into peak basketball condition.
Now, 496 days after helping deliver Illawarra’s championship, Days is back in the Gong.
During his previous stint with the Hawks, he averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds across 33 games while shooting 33.6% from beyond the arc.
Hawks General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell said the club was thrilled to welcome back a player who played such an important role in its title-winning campaign.
“You don’t forget a player who helped deliver a championship. Darius gave us rebounding and outside shooting when we needed it most. Subject to NBL approval, we’re looking forward to what he adds to this squad for NBL27.”
Days rejoins a Hawks roster featuring Will Hickey, Tyler Harvey, Johny Narkle, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida, Todd Blanchfield, Mason Peatling, Sam Froling and developmental player Amarco Doyle as the 2024-2025 champions continue to build their squad for NBL27.
HAWKS CLOSING IN ON FORMER JACKJUMPERS CHAMPION
Just days after Tyler Harvey announced he is set to become an Australian citizen, allowing him to occupy a local roster spot, the Illawarra Hawks have now emerged as a potential landing spot for former Melbourne United import Milton Doyle.
Sources have told Fox Sports Australia that Doyle is on the Hawks’ radar, with the 32-year-old reportedly keen to make Australia his long-term home. Should that eventuate, Doyle could eventually follow a similar path to his potential future teammate Harvey by pursuing Australian citizenship.
Doyle is coming off a season with Melbourne United, where he appeared in 35 games and averaged 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 40.3% from the field.
Although it was statistically his best NBL campaign since his debut season, Doyle experienced patches where he struggled to find consistency. Even so, he remains one of the league’s premier clutch shot-makers, making the prospect of pairing him with Harvey, another player renowned for delivering in big moments, an enticing one for the Hawks.
Before joining Melbourne, Doyle spent three seasons with the Tasmania JackJumpers between 2022 and 2025, playing a pivotal role in delivering the club’s first championship in a historic championship series against United.
He has played 131 NBL games across his career, establishing himself as one of the league’s most experienced import players, with career averages of 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
During the off-season, Doyle also spent time in Italy’s LBA with Napoli, where he played alongside JackJumpers forward Nick Marshall. He featured in eight games, adding further European experience to an already accomplished resumé.
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If the Hawks are able to secure Doyle’s signature, it would represent another significant addition to a roster that has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent days. Between Harvey’s move to local status and the club’s pursuit of one of the NBL’s most proven imports, Illawarra is quickly shaping as one of the most intriguing teams of the off-season.
900+ NBA GAME VETERAN LINKED TO HAWKS
The Hawks’ busy off-season could finish with their biggest move yet, with the former champions reportedly showing interest in NBA veteran Jae Crowder, a signing that would immediately strengthen Illawarra’s championship credentials.
On the latest episode of NBL Marketplace, it was revealed that Crowder is on the Hawks’ radar. While discussions are understood to be in their early stages and have not progressed beyond initial introductions, the interest is genuine.
Crowder, 36, was previously linked with the Adelaide 36ers earlier this year, although that move never gained traction. While the veteran forward may not have been the ideal fit for Adelaide’s roster, Illawarra presents a different opportunity.
Known throughout his NBA career for his toughness, defensive intensity and vocal leadership, Crowder’s style of play appears well suited to the culture the Hawks have built under head coach Justin Tatum.
Across 13 NBA seasons, Crowder played 927 regular season games alongside some of the league’s biggest stars, averaging 9.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and shooting 34.7% from three-point range. His ability to defend multiple positions while consistently stretching the floor has made him a valuable role player throughout his career.
Crowder is currently playing in Puerto Rico’s BSN with Vaqueros de Bayamón, the same club Australian Boomers Jaylin Galloway and Xavier Cooks represented earlier in the season. Across 28 games, he has averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals.
Whether a deal ultimately materialises remains to be seen, but the Hawks’ reported interest signals their intent to continue building an already formidable roster. Should Crowder arrive, Illawarra would add another proven NBA veteran to its ranks, following last seasons signing of JaVale McGee, who was Crowder’s teammate with the Phoenix Suns during the 2021-22 NBA season.
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