Illawarra have re-signed guard Will 'Davo' Hickey on a multi-year deal.
The Hawks announced on Thursday they had resigned Hickey, who joined the club as a development player for the 2022/23 NBL season, to a three-year deal.
In announcing the 194cm guard's resigning, Illawarra said Hickey has grown into a "fan favourite" who had a significant impact on the Hawks' rise towards the end of last season while contributing to the club's strong start to NBL25.
Hickey said receiving the first contract extension of his career made him feel "like all that hard work, all that sacrifice over all those years has been worth it".
"It's all just been an accumulation of years of basketball just coming together," the 25-year-old said.
"Knowing the club respects and sees what I've been doing is a massive thing for me.
"I'm just really excited to be here for the next couple of years, to have that security, and start setting some things up in my own life and career."
View this post on Instagram
The Hawks said the signing of Hickey, a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi/Gomeroi man - following the signing of Kobe McDowell-White's as a development player in the Hawks new pathway for First Nations athletes - is another step in the club's commitment to First Nations players and the community.
Hawks coach Justin Tatum, the father of NBA superstar Jason, said Hickey has become a huge part of the Hawks and plays an important role both on and off the court.
"His passion is there for everyone to see, and the team loves that just like the fans do," Tatum said.
"He has worked tirelessly during my time coaching with him to prove himself not only to me, but to his teammates. I can rely on him to do his job and support the team, and he is really contributing to our current success.
"I am looking forward to seeing what he can do with his time locked in at the Hawks. He is a great player and has a long career ahead of him."
Following his resigning, Hickey top scored for the Hawks with 17 points in their 82-92 loss to Melbourne United on Thursday.
After seven games the 5-2 Hawks sit atop the NBL standings, with Hickey averaging 9.0 points on 50 per cent field goal shooting alongside 3.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
