Sam Froling, the younger brother of established NBL talent Harry, has been officially announced as the Illawarra Hawks newest young gun, as part of Matt Flinn's new-look squad.
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After weeks of anticipation Froling would join the Hawks, he was unveiled on Monday afternoon, with a stunning three-year contract.
Brother Harry was named rookie of the year in February at Adelaide, after starting his own NBL career at Townsville.
Sam has been in the NCAA division one in the US with Creighton University, before returning to play for Dandenong Rangers in the newly-established NBL1, averaging 17 points and eight rebounds. He will also play for Australia at the under 19 World Championships in July.
"Can't wait to put on a Hawks uniform," Froling tweeted on Monday.
Sister Keely Froling, who plays for the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL, was part of the Australian three-on-three squad which qualified for the World Cup on the same day Tim Coenraad helped book the men's team's ticket as well.
"Sam comes from strong basketball pedigree with both parents and all three siblings having played at an elite level," Flinn said.
"Sam has a unique skill set and a passion for this game that will make him a great fit in our Hawks family."
Froling joins Coenraad, Todd Blanchfield, AJ Ogilvy, Daniel Grida, Emmett Naar, Angus Glover and Sunday Dech on the roster, with import signings to come.
"Great kids with a great future," Hawks owner Simon Stratford tweeted when the announcement was made.
The Hawks missed out on the playoffs last year, with Rob Beveridge leaving the club at the end of the season, paving the way for Flinn to take over after a long stint as assistant.
Veteran David Andersen remains a possibility to stay on for another season, but former captain Kevin White is poised to move to Adelaide after interest from the Sydney Kings during the off-season.
At 207 centimetres, Froling possesses remarkably shooting talent and movement off the ball, as well as presence inside and also attracted interest from NBL rival Cairns before signing with the Hawks.
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