Nelson had moved from Western Australia to Wollongong last year in the hope of earning a contract in the NBL and it’s proven worth the wait.

He most recently played in the SEABL competition with the Canberra Gunners, playing 15 games and averaging 16.1 points and 3.2 assists.

Hawks coach Rob Beveridge said he could be a “surprise” packet in the NBL.

“We are really pleased as a club that we are able to offer our final roster spot to Marshall Nelson who was a development player for us last year,” Beveridge said. 

“Marshall is an incredibly talented guard who is athletic and super explosive off the dribble. He has a great ability to score in a number of ways and believe that he could surprise a lot of people in our league this season.

“It is a great opportunity to show younger up and coming players that hard work and perseverance can earn you a spot on an NBL roster.”

Nelson joins former NBL title-winner and MVP Cedric Jackson, captain Kevin White, US College talent Emmett Naar and centre of excellence player Daniel Grida in their back-court ranks.

With the last piece of their roster puzzle in place, the Hawks pre-season ramps up before their opening game against defending champions Melbourne United at WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday, October 12. 

Hawks recruit Todd Blanchfield was this week named in the Boomers squad for the World Cup qualifier against Qatar to be played on September 13.