Built for the big time: Hawks champion turning heads

“This ain’t no cupcake league.”

It’s a saying made famous by the one and only Corey Williams, and one that has given draft hopeful Lachlan Olbrich the utmost confidence he can make it in the NBA.

After two seasons with the Illawarra Hawks and a key role in a championship-winning team, Olbrich believes his professional experience in the NBL could be a major advantage, as he looks to take the next step in his career.

“The NBL is a tough league. I think someone once said, ‘It’s not a cupcake league’—and that’s very real,” Olbrich said from the Draft Combine in Chicago.

“I was thrown into the deep end after just one year of college and had to adapt quickly. I’ve learned so much about the game and from the peers I’ve played with. It’s helped me develop a lot as a player.

“It’s a different style of game compared to what we play in the NBL, but I feel like I’m bringing a bit of that NBL play style here. I try to direct and coach on the court and be more vocal.”

Olbrich has seen his draft stock rise during the Combine, further solidifying his hopes of earning an NBA opportunity.

“There’s plenty to like about Olbrich’s intangibles, feel and understanding of his own strengths as an energy big,” ESPN draft expert Jeremy Woo said.

“As an auto-eligible international player, Olbrich has certainly helped his chances of hearing his name called in June and could be a candidate for a two-way contract with the momentum he’s built in Chicago.”

The 21-year-old says the prospect of landing in the NBA is slowly starting to feel real.

“I’m trying to keep a steady ship, but the possibility of it happening is definitely becoming more real,” he said.

“I’m just trying to stay humble, keep my head down and keep working.”

Olbrich is one of five NBL25-rostered players at the Combine, alongside Rocco Zikarsky, Alex Toohey Ben Henshall and Izan Almansa.