Australian basketball players eye NBA

In late July 2026 the Illawarra Hawks were finalising their NBL roster, having secured several signings and indicating a clear squad lineup within ten days ahead of the season opener on 20 September. Vice‑chairman Terry Egger highlighted the progress while former Hawks champion Lachlan Olbrich, who spent a rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, pursued further NBA opportunities after a strong showing in the NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors, where he posted a perfect‑shooting 21‑point game.

Two days later the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas was recapped, noting that Australian talent featured heavily, with ten Australians and one New Zealander participating. Olbrich, a 55th‑overall Chicago draft pick, logged 37 G League games on a two‑way contract, averaging 19.2 points and 8.6 rebounds, and posted a 9.0‑point per game average in the Warriors’ preseason. Analysts pointed to the need for improved three‑point shooting as a factor in securing a regular‑season roster spot.

Together, the snapshots illustrate the Hawks’ roster preparations alongside Olbrich’s ongoing efforts to cement a place in the NBA, reflecting the broader trajectory of Australian basketball prospects transitioning between the NBL and the NBA system.