All eyes on Olbrich

Sunday, September 24, 2023

"As the year goes on we're expecting more and more from him, as we are of everyone on the roster."

With more than 45 NBA scouts in attendance at the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz, Lachlan Olbrich couldn't have chosen a better time to shine.

The 19-year-old scored 20 points against the Brisbane Bullets on Wednesday, then backed it up two days later with 18, six rebounds and five assists against Cairns. He couldn't have been more impressive.

The former University of California recruit was a signing coup for the Hawks in the off-season, putting pen to paper on a three year deal and his recent form is set to have NBA teams circling.

Draft insiders were raving about his performances on the Gold Coast.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Terrific game for 19-year old Australian Lachlan Olbrich at the NBL Blitz. Showed his skill-level, motor and versatility dropping 20 points and 3 assists in 20 minutes in front of a big audience of NBA scouts. <a href="https://t.co/rcJajwGp2f">pic.twitter.com/rcJajwGp2f</a></p>— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1704442844176642376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Illawarra forward Lachlan Olbrich is a legit draft prospect. The former Big West Freshman of the Year is, IMO, the breakout player of the 2023 NBL Blitz. Looks absolutely outstanding again against the Cairns Taipans. <br><br>Has 16 points on 7-7 FG near the end of the 3rd Q.</p>— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/1705134202835140771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last year's Big West FOY Lachlan Olbrich averaging 14.7 PPG, 3.3 APG through 3 games for Illawarra. Straight up instincts, IQ, hustle and hands player. Will find a way to produce without athleticism or skill. Could attract 2nd-hand attention from scouts there for AJ Johnson. <a href="https://t.co/IZjGiQQphW">pic.twitter.com/IZjGiQQphW</a></p>— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBADraftWass/status/1705237153830043742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While Obrich has been a standout for the Hawks in pre-season, it's come as no surprise to coach Jacob Jackomas.

"He hasn't been a surprise at all. This is what we have expected of him," he told the Illawarra Mercury.

"As the year goes on we're expecting more and more from him, as we are of everyone on the roster."

It was an encouraging start to Illawarra's NBL24 campaign; two wins from three games as they look to bounce back from a disappointing three-win season.

Justin Robinson returned to the court from a long-term knee injury, Hyunjung Lee showed off his strong shooting, Todd Blanchfield highlighted his valuable experience in a developing team, and Tyler Harvey, well he's been a star for three seasons already.

"We got a lot out of these three games, which is good heading into our first game of the season," Jackomas said.

"Some of our performances [in the Blitz] were better than others. Even the game we lost [against Melbourne United] we took parts out of it, of what our brand is, and what isn't.

"We've got some good film now to make some corrections and then finally it is just figuring out what our rotation is going to be come game one, because we do have a bit of talent."

The Hawks will host Sydney in their season-opener on Saturday, September 30 at 8pm AEST.