The Sydney Kings may yet live to regret letting Kevin White, a guard with a "tremendous work ethic", leave.

But on Wednesday, Kings coach Damian Cotter was full of praise for White after his move to the Illawarra Hawks was announced.

White is the club's eighth signing since emerging from voluntary administration.

The 26-year-old completes a four-man back court operation for the Hawks next season, teaming up with former NBL MVP Kevin Lisch and experienced Illawarra duo Rhys Martin and Tyson Demos.

A Manly junior, White won the 2012-13 best defensive player award for the Kings and is expected to bring the same tenacity to the Hawks.

"Having coached Kev as a junior, he showed great leadership and always was a competitor," Beveridge said.

"These are the traits that we are looking for in players at the Hawks. On top of this Kev is also an incredible community-orientated person and will be a great fit for this community."

Cotter took to Twitter minutes after the announcement,

"Great to hear @kevoooo22 (White) has been signed by @illawarrahawks. Has tremendous work ethic and I was proud to coach him last season#allthebest, " Cotter said.

Beveridge's focus is now on signing some extra size to join Oscar Forman, AJ Ogilvy and Larry Davidson.

With Lisch leading the back-court charge as the club's first import signing for the season, the Hawks are now focusing on finding overseas talent for a forward.

Having been on the other side of the NSW derby, White said he has great respect for the Hawks.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be a part of a club with such a strong and rich history.," he said.

Being a Sydney boy I know how important this club is to both the NBL but more importantly the Illawarra community, I'm really excited to wear the clubs colours."