Rich in history the Wollongong ahm Hawks have seen a range of imports come and go over the past 32 years. From talents such as Doug Overton, Melvin Thomas, Michael Jones to a number of imports who didn’t quite make the cut over the years.To kick start the “where are they now?” series across the National Basketball League, we take a look back at what might’ve been the worst import to ever be signed by the Hawks in history.

Buster Whitney.

Buster who you say? Exactly, the American born professional basketballer/golfer never played one single minute of NBL basketball, but for those who do remember him might say he was better suited for the Golf Course.

Signed as an import for the then Illawarra Hawks in 1988, Buster Whitney didn’t last long in Australia.

“He came to training and right off the plane we knew he was going back home. His ankles were a mess as soon as he stepped on the court, you knew he wasn’t going to be ready to play NBL standard basketball.” Former Hawks administrator and Life Member Peter Brettell said.

Basketball Writer of the Year the year Tim Keeble from the Illawarra Mercury and long time Hawks fan remembers Buster Whitney’s signing all those years ago.

“In 1988 Illawarra signed an American named Buster Whitney, but the lumbering 198cm forward never hit the court after being cut within two days of his arrival. The Hawks haven't had many failures but Buster went down as THE biggest bust of all.” Tim Keeble wrote.

Buster was sent home just as quick as he arrived. Where his career ended up, we’re not sure but he will go down in Hawks basketball history as one of the, if not the worst import signing in the club’s 32 year history.

HELP US: If you have any further information on Buster Whitney or know if he hung up the boots and began a professional Golf career we’d love to hear from you. Email us at contact@hawks.com.au.

For more information on our History visit http://hawkshistory.com.au.