THE Hawks have moved quickly to fill the first import spot on its roster, landing the signature of prolific-scoring combo guard Tyler Harvey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 27-year-old sharp-shooter will bring the scoring punch that saw him drop 58 points for the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G-League last season to the Illawarra on a one-year deal.
The California native was NCAA Division I national scoring leader in his junior year with Eastern Washington in 2015, an accomplishment that puts him the same list as the likes Stephen Curry and Trae Young.
He was drafted 51st overall by Orlando in the 2015 NBA Draft and played with the Magic's G-League affiliate Eyrie Bayhawks.
He spent time with Grizzlies G-League affiliated Memphis Hustle in 2019 before shifting to Europe, most recently playing in Germany for Ratiopharm Ulm where he was averaging 12.8 points in EuroCup and 10.2 points in Bundesliga.
Hawks coach Brian Goorjian said he was pleased to add a pure scorer to his roster.
"We are delighted to welcome Tyler to the Hawks as the club's first import signing for the new season," Goorjian said.
"Tyler's scoring and shooting attributes are well known across the world and we believe he can make an instant impact in those areas for us.
"He will play a key role for the Hawks this season as we construct a team that the fanbase can be proud of on and off the court."
Harvey joins Emmett Naar, Deng Deng, Dan Grida, Deng Adel, Sam Froling and Isaac White on The Hawks' roster.
Harvey said the Goorjian effect, as well as that of co-owner Brian Colangelo, prompted him to ink the deal with the Wollongong franchise.
"My eyes have always been on the NBL, I've heard nothing but great things about it," Harvey said.
"Playing for a great coach [Goorjian], a great organisation, I felt like it was the right move for my wife and I, and for my basketball career to take this opportunity
"After talking with him [Goorjian] it seemed like the right fit for me to play for the winningest coach in Australian sports history, how often can you do that?
"They got Mr Colangelo there as well, he is well respected in the States and everywhere.
"I was brought this opportunity and it was hard to pass up. I feel like this year is really going to help me grow as a player and as a person."