Every chance matters: NBA stage, same mentality

Will Hickey has never taken his basketball journey for granted.

At 26, he’s had to earn every opportunity, working harder than most to get his shot. Every challenge along the way has only strengthened his resolve.

Now, he finds himself on the NBA Summer League stage; proud, prepared and ready for whatever comes next.

"I'm going to be real. A lot of people didn’t expect me to make it out and play in the NBL, let alone Summer League. I'm just going to keep reiterating, I'm just happy to be here,” he told Pete Hooley from Las Vegas.

“When my time comes, it's the same thing it's always been. I'm going to be ready. So if it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, great experience … I get to go back home and hoop with the Hawks.”

Representing the Chicago Bulls, Hickey is lining up alongside Illawarra teammate Lachlan Olbrich and made his Summer League debut against Toronto on Saturday, Australian time.

He made the most of his time on court, contributing 4 points and 3 rebounds in five minutes, while bringing the kind of intensity that has become his trademark.

“A little gritty, nitty, jump on the ball, hustles. You'll see more of it … so stick to it,” he said.

“It's a lot quicker out here. You’ve got to adjust pretty quickly. Not a lot of time for mistakes. So, it's on the ball, but it's a great experience to know this is the level you need to be at.

“It's wild to see some of the superstars coming out and even the guys playing here. It's a pretty surreal experience.”‍

Hickey played a pivotal role in Illawarra’s Championship Series run during the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 Season, helping lead the Hawks to a historic title.

The campaign ended with one of the most memorable moments in league history, as Hickey was handed the Finals MVP trophy by Matthew Dellavedova in a powerful show of respect and sportsmanship.

The 2025 NBA Summer League starts from July 11, Australian time, with exclusive interviews and insights available on the NBL App and NBL.com.au.