The Wollongong NRE Hawks today have announced the signing of Oregon Ducks Senior Joevan Catron as their forward import for the 2011/12 iinet NBL Championship.

The addition of Joevan to the roster will see him compliment the Wollongong NRE Hawks current rotation of bigs including Dave Gruber, Larry Davidson and last year’s NBL Most Improved Player Oscar Forman.

“We’re excited to be bringing Joevan over to the club. He’s straight out of college and we believe this will be a good first step for him in his professional career” said Wollongong NRE Hawks Head Coach Gordie McLeod.

“Joevan brings something different to the table for us and he will be there to compliment our current crop of bigs.”

“He’s excited about the opportunity to be playing in Australia and we’re looking forward to him representing Wollongong this season.” McLeod added.

Joevan Catron just recently finished his college career with the Oregon Ducks, averaging 15.9 points & 6.7 rebounds per game in his senior year.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Wollongong and playing under Coach (Gordie) McLeod” said Joevan Catron.

“It’s exciting to be coming out of college and into your first professional job, this is definitely going to be a great opportunity for me to begin my career playing professional basketball.”

“I’ve heard great things about Australia and the Wollongong Hawks club. It’s been great speaking to Gordie the past couple of weeks about the players on the team and what the club is about, really looking forward to fitting in and being part of a great team.”

Joevan will arrive in Australia late August and will bring his partner and 10 month old son with him to Wollongong.

“It’s a big move for my family and I, but we knew after college my professional career would probably start overseas, it’s great that I get to start that in Australia and we’re excited about being in Wollongong this season.” Catron added. 

The Wollongong NRE Hawks tip off preseason with a preseason home game against the Sydney Kings on Sunday 28 August at the Snakepit. Tip off 4pm.

Tickets are available but limited. Tickets can be purchased from the Hawks office or on 4229 7722.