Hawks Secure Aussie College Talent

The Illawarra Hawks have pulled off one of the coups of NBL Free Agency so far, having signed exciting college talent Lachlan Olbrich to a three-year deal.

Adelaide-born Olbrich earned NBL1 Central All-Star Five honours before heading to the University of California, Riverside, to ply his trade in the NCAA.

After one season in the college game – in which he averaged 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game across 34 appearances, he has elected to begin his career in the NBL.

“Lachlan has been a player we have watched with real interest in the last six months, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Hawks family,” Illawarra General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell said.

“He has great size and length, and we love his aggressiveness. We were looking to add some frontcourt depth to the roster and Lachlan’s signing is a great outcome for the NBL24 season and beyond.

Olbrich is no stranger to the Hawks having faced off against them in their NBL23 pre-season campaign.

The 19-year-old starred for the collegiate side against Illawarra on the day, and ended the game with a 19-point, 10 rebound double-double.

“Once I decided to leave the collegiate system I prioritised joining an organisation that would provide me with the best opportunity to develop my game,” he said.

“Speaking with Jacob (Jackomas) and understanding the journey the club is on with a young and exciting group, it was clear the Hawks is the place for me to start my NBL career.”

Like Olbrich, Illawarra co-captain Sam Froling also elected to begin his career with the Hawks after one season in the collegiate system, with the former NBL Most Improved Player representing Creighton in 30 games.

“The chance to work with Sam daily is something I am looking forward to,” Olbrich continued.

“I can’t wait to get to Illawarra and get to work.”

Olbrich joins Froling, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida, Will Hickey, Harry Morris and import pair Justin Robinson and Tyler Harvey on the Hawks’ NBL24 roster.