Hawks star signs NBA G League deal

Illawarra Hawks guard William Hickey is one step closer to his NBA dream after signing with G League franchise, the South Bay Lakers.

Hickey, who helped the Hawks win the Hungry Jack’s NBL25 championship, joins the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, which currently sits in second in the Western Conference with a 22-9 record.

To date, Hickey has played 122 matches in the NBL, with South East Melbourne, Melbourne and Illawarra.

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Most recently, the Australian Boomer produced career-highs in points (12.7), assists (6.3), rebounds (5.9) and blocks (1) during the NBL26 season for the Hawks.

Hickey is contracted to Illawarra for the 2026-27 season, alongside Sam Froling, Dan Grida, Will Hickey, Mason Peatling, Todd Blanchfield, Tyler Harvey (club option), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (club option), Harry Froling (club option), Johny Narkle (club option), Biwali Bayles (club option) and Kobe McDowell-White (club option).

The highly anticipated Hungry Jack's NBL26 Championship Series, between Sydney and Adelaide, tips off at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday at 7pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 10 Drama.