The Illawarra Hawks have announced the signing of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk on a two-year deal with the club.

The 21-year-old joins the foundation club fresh off an NBL championship with the Sydney Kings, where he averaged 4.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, including a season-high 17 points against the Hawks in January.

Swaka Lo Buluk went from an injury replacement at the start of the season to a member of the starting lineup during Sydney's run to a Championship.

"We're pumped to add someone of Wani's calibre to our core moving forward," said Hawks head coach Jacob Jackomas.

"Wani will compliment the pieces we've already got in place, bring a fresh energy and defensive ability to our club - which is always our calling card on the court.

"He fits with the timeline of our other guys, is keen to continue to improve his game and grow with this group towards a second Illawarra championship."

The three-year NBL player, who was first with the Perth Wildcats, joins a core of Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Daniel Grida, Akoldah Gak and Alex Mudronja at Jacob Jackomas' disposal for the NBL23 season.

"Wani is a great defender and a super talented player, not to mention a three-time championship winner, so to bring a guy like him in is huge for the team and will help us immensely," said forward Froling.

"He’s also a great person and will fit in with the culture we have built over the last two years.

"When you bring in a championship-winning player it shows that we are still in the hunt to improve on the results from the last two years and it shows that Jake and the club are serious about getting the Hawks another championship."