Hawks swoop on third import

The Illawarra Hawks have signed American forward Kelan Martin for the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

The 198-centimetre forward arrives in Wollongong following a stint in Spain with UCAM Murcia, which followed earlier stints in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers.

Prior to Spain, Martin spent time in the NBA G League and Turkey, with both Pınar Karşıyaka and Beşiktaş.

Martin turned 31 earlier this month and has been on Mat Campbell's radar for several years, but this off-season, the stars finally aligned.

"Kelan is a proven competitor who plays with intent and physicality," Campbell said.

"His experience at the highest levels of the game will be a major asset to our group.

"We're excited to welcome him to the Illawarra."

From Louisville, Martin attended the University of Butler for four seasons, averaging 21.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in his senior campaign.

That season earned him All-American honourable mention from the Associated Press and a spot on the All-Big East First Team, named alongside two players who are now NBA champions and New York Knicks duo, Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

Martin is the Hawks' third import for NBL27, alongside champions Darius Days and Milton Doyle, with Tyler Harvey now considered a local following his Australian citizenship induction over the weekend.

Martin joins Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Todd Blanchfield, Dan Grida, Will Hickey, Kobe McDowell-White, Johny Narkle, Mason Peatling, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Kyle Adnam, Darius Days, Amarco Doyle and Milton Doyle on Justin Tatum's roster for the NBL27 Season.