Hawks Ink DP to Three-Year Deal

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Queensland-born big Luca Yates has signed a three-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks.

Photo: Kieron Place Art & Photography

The Illawarra Hawks have signed emerging big Luca Yates to a three-year development player deal.

19-year-old Yates is currently representing the Townsville Heat in NBL1 North, and is averaging 14.8 points on 59 per cent shooting and 9.5 rebounds per game.

He spent two seasons playing for NCAA Division II side Barry – who can also count Adelaide wing Sunday Dech amongst its alumni.

Yates lined up for Queensland at this year’s U20 National Championships, where he averaged 9.9 points per game, across his seven appearances.

Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell welcomed the talented big man to the club.

"We have been tracking Luca's progress for a few seasons now and are thrilled to welcome him to the Hawks," Campbell told the club's website.

"Luca is already an elite rebounder and has a great understanding of the game. He has been able to add a perimeter shot this season, and we look forward to his development here in Illawarra."

Yates said Illawarra provided the perfect platform to begin his professional career.

"I am excited to join a club with such a rich history and a proven record in developing frontcourt talent," he said.

"The club has been really active in free agency, and I love the vision of Coach [Jacob] Jackomas and his staff, so it's a thrill to be joining the group for NBL24.

"The opportunity to work daily with one of the country's best Australian centres in Sam Froling is one I couldn't pass up, and I look forward to learning and developing my game under his tutelage."

Yates joins local Illawarra junior Harry Morris and point guard Biwali Bayles as development players for the Hawks.