"Unfinished Business" Drives Hawk's Return

Justin Robinson loomed as one of the potential stars of NBL23.

He'd taken all before him during the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz in Darwin, averaging 17 points and six assists. He looked to be forming a lethal combination at Illawarra with another star import, Tyler Harvey.

Then, a cruel blow. 10 points, five rebounds and eight assists had Robinson among the Hawks' best in their season-opener against Sydney. But late in the third quarter, he suffered a meniscus ear. Just like that, his debut season in the NBL was over.

Many imports, understandably, would head straight home, move on to the next stage of their lives, tackle their rehabilitation in the comfort of familiar surroundings ... but Robinson was different. 

"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 told the Hawks website.

The 25-year-old opted to stay in Illawarra for much of the club's NBL23 campaign, absorbing what makes the community special, before heading back to the United States.

In January, he re-signed with the Hawks for another season, in a great show of faith from both player and club. 

"I'm excited to run it back with coach (Jacob) Jackomas and the Hawks next season. I can't wait to return to Illawarra and get things back as we envisioned," Robinson said. 

"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."

Robinson boasts an impressive basketball resume, having played with five NBA teams before arriving in the NBL. 

"It's unbelievable news to see he (Robinson) is coming back here," teammate Harvey added. 

"I know he loved his time here, and for the short time he was here, the community got around him, and everyone on the team loves him. It's good to have him come back, and we will do something special next year, him and I."

The highlights were few and far between for Illawarra last season, but the blueprint to success is there. There's hope on the horizon.

"Having him in the backcourt with me was unbelievable for our five pre-season games. We were starting to figure out each other's games as it went on. To see him go down was tough, but to know he is coming back reassures me he is in it to win this thing."

A fully fit Robinson adds a whole new dimension to the Hawks team. Harvey is an incredible talent. Sam Froling is still just 23 years of age and getting better with every season. Mason Peatling shores up the frontcourt with valuable experience. Next Star AJ Johnson looks an ultra-exciting prospect. Lachlan Olbrich looms as one of the best young talents in the League. The signs are bright. 

Robinson will join the team for the commencement of pre-season training in August.

Read the full story here >> Robinson Runs it Back