Robinson to Run it Back With Hawks

Injured Illawarra import Justin Robinson will return to the NBL court next season, after agreeing to re-sign with the Hawks for NBL24.

Robinson formed an imposing star trio with Sam Froling and Tyler Harvey for Illawarra during the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz – where he averaged 17 points and six assists per game – but unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury in the side’s first game of the season.

He had racked up 10 points, five rebounds and eight assists against the Sydney Kings, before his campaign was ended on opening night.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST-IN ? ... HE&#39;S BACK ? ?? <br><br>The Illawarra Hawks are excited to announce the re-signing of import guard Justin Robinson!<br><br>Read more at <a href="https://t.co/JymfjFETNf">https://t.co/JymfjFETNf</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HawkNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HawkNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/rEpyph7zBo">pic.twitter.com/rEpyph7zBo</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1620210476750868480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Robinson has cited unfinished business as a key reason for committing to the Hawks.

“My dad always taught me to finish what you start. My season-ending injury in the first game didn’t sit well with me,” Robinson said. “I’m excited to run it back with coach Jackomas and the Hawks next season. I can’t wait to return to Illawarra and get things back to how we envisioned.

“The city of Wollongong embraced me from my arrival, and the organisation handled my injury in the best way possible. We have a special group of coaches, staff, and players, and there is unfinished business for me with the Hawks.

“My goal remains the same – to win games and bring a championship back to Illawarra.”

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Robinson’s season-ending injury was the first of four suffered by Hawks imports in NBL23. George King returned home with an ankle injury in November, and replacement pair Peyton Siva and Michael Frazier II went down with shoulder and arm injuries later in the season.

Illawarra General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell says the club couldn’t pass up the opportunity to re-sign Robinson.

“It’s rare to come across an athlete like Justin – we briefly saw what he is capable of achieving on and off the court for our club, so getting him back on board helps cement our foundations as we continue to build towards NBL24,” he said.

“Justin is an elite talent and has been working hard back in the US to ensure he’s ready for his return. We made Justin a priority. The relationship he’s built with ownership, the playing group, and the coaches made it an easy decision for both parties.”

The re-signing of Robinson means the guard will join Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Dan Grida and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk as a confirmed member of the Hawks’ roster for NBL24. The Hawks also hold options on the contracts of Will Hickey and Alex Mudronja.