THEY'VE landed a big fish in the front court and Illawarra are now building a formidable back court with the addition of former Taipans and Bullets guard Travis Trice.
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The Hawks will bring the 28-year-old back for a third stint in the NBL having previously starred for Cairns and Brisbane - the latter his most recent season in 2018.
He was the Snakes MVP in 2017, averaging 14 points, three rebounds and three assists and went up a notch in Brisbane, averaging 15 points and five dimes.
The Michigan State alum has had two stops at the New York Knicks G-League franchise, the Westchester Knicks, and Summer League stints with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.
Trice has spent the last season playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish Basketball Super League, averaging a healthy 12 points and four assists, and shapes as the perfect foil for newly re-signed star Tyler Harvey in the Hawks back court.
Coach Brian Goorjian described Trice as a "true pro" and someone who brings valuable experience to an otherwise youthful group.
"Travis has played basketball all around the world in elite competitions and that type of experience and toughness is exactly what we need in this league," Goorjian said.
"He can score, he takes care of his teammates and he plays defence so he's a great player, played in some fantastic teams and under some wonderful coaches and I'm really looking forward to working with him."
Hawks President and co-owner, Dorry Kordahi said the signing, along with Harvey and Boomers big man Duop Reath, further illustrates the club's desire to force its way into the title-frame.
"Travis [Trice] has a pretty good history in the NBL and it's going to be great to see him back down under in an Illawarra Hawks jersey," Kordahi said.
"He was a star in this league with the Taipans and Bullets and we feel he is the perfect fit for our backcourt. We can't wait to see him and Tyler in particular mesh and fans should be excited about what this guy can bring to our side.
"If I've said it once, I'll say it a thousand times, the Illawarra Hawks aren't in this league to take part, we're here to compete for championships.
"We have bold ambitions for this club, and this ownership group is trying to assemble a roster we believe can bring more success and more glory to our proud basketball family and followers in the Illawarra."
Trice will fill the club's second import slot after Harvey, with one now remaining. The club has been in discussions with reigning NBL Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon, while Reath fills a marquee slot.
The club this week released young big Max Darling from the final two years of his deal but will bring back Sam Froling, Emmett Naar, Akoldah Gak, Dan Grida, Isaac White, Lachlan Dent and skipper AJ Ogilvy.