Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi guard Will "Davo" Hickey is set to suit up for the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
The Illawarra Hawks guard returns to the NBA Summer League a year after joining the Chicago Bulls for last year's event, with this year's Las Vegas tournament running from July 10 to 20 AEST.
Hickey, a Koorie Academy ambassador, will use the tournament as another chance to press his case in front of NBA clubs after signing with the Lakers' G League affiliate, South Bay, in March.
The academy founder Gunai Kurnai man Ricky Baldwin backed Hickey ahead of the tournament.
"We are incredibly proud of Davo and this incredible opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers," Mr Baldwin said.
"Davo embodies the spirit and mission of the Koorie Academy, inspiring young Indigenous athletes to pursue their dreams.
"We wish him the very best in Las Vegas."
Hickey is coming off an NBL season with Illawarra in which he averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists across 27 games.
He missed the start of the season with an eye injury suffered at the NBL Blitz but returned to deliver the league's first triple-double of the season, posting 19 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists and three blocks against Cairns in November.
His latest NBA Summer League opportunity follows a strong period for club and country.
Hickey was part of the Illawarra Hawks' 2025 NBL championship team before helping the Australian Boomers claim the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup title in Saudi Arabia.
He played a key role in the final against China, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks as Australia won 90-89 to complete a third straight Asia Cup title.
Hickey is one of several Australian and New Zealand players expected to feature at Summer League this year.
The group includes current NBL guard Flynn Cameron, as well as former NBL players Luke Travers, Lachlan Olbrich, Kuany Kuany, Malique Lewis and Jesse Edwards.
Other Australians listed for Summer League include Anthony Dell'Orso, Oscar Cluff, Max MacKinnon, Harry Wessels and Will Johnston.
