BASKETBALL
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Well-travelled basketballer Brad Hill hopes to have found a long-term home with the Wollongong Hawks.
A member of the Australian Boomers squad in 2009, Hill becomes the fourth player on the Wollongong roster for the 2014-15 NBL season, joining Oscar Forman, Larry Davidson and Tim Coenraad.
After playing with four clubs in 10 years, including two separate stints with Adelaide, the 198 centimetre swingman wants to put down some roots in Wollongong.
"I'm really excited, especially about the fact I've signed for two years and it's a situation I can grow in," he said.
"I've got plenty more to give and I'm really looking for a fresh start and an opportunity to be a part of something long-term, to grow into it."
Hill didn't just pop up on the Hawks' radar overnight.
"It's an interesting situation, because we've had discussions about Brad and considered him strongly for a number of years," coach Gordie McLeod said.
"We feel he has a skill package that's going to complement the guys we've got. His ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim adds a different dimension for us. He's an experienced player and we're extremely happy to have someone of his ability coming into our group. We're excited to see what he can bring."
Hill is Wollongong's first free agent recruit since the club acquired Oscar Forman and Tyson Demos in 2010.
The 27-year-old is entering his prime and could potentially be the steal of the season, given McLeod's history of getting the best out of players.
Born and bred in Adelaide, he cut his teeth in the NBL as a 17-year-old rookie with the Adelaide 36ers, staying with the club for three seasons. He jumped ship to the South Dragons, playing just four games before injury wrecked his 2007-08 campaign.
He went back to the 36ers for three more years and then spent two seasons with the Cairns Taipans. Last season, Hill played with the Sydney Kings, only to became a rarely used role player under former Kings coach Shane Heal.
He is looking forward to playing under McLeod, who is the NBL's reigning Coach of the Year.
"I feel like I'm coming to a club where there's a lot of stability within the group."
The Hawks are close to re-signing Demos and forward Dave Gruber, while negotiations with point guard Rhys Martin are continuing.