Defensive juggernaut inks three-year Hawks deal

The Illawarra Hawks have continued their reload ahead of the NBL25 season, by inking lockdown wing defender Wani Swaka Lo Buluk to a three-year deal, the third of which contains a club option.

Swaka Lo Buluk won three NBL titles in the first four seasons of his NBL career with Perth and Sydney prior to joining the Hawks, and established himself as one of the competition’s premier defensive wings under Justin Tatum in NBL24.

The 2022 FIBA Asia Cup winner appeared in all 32 of Illawarra’s games this past season, with 27 of those a starter. 

Hawks General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell said the club was delighted to secure Swaka Lo Buluk's signature.

"Wani re-signing with the Hawks is a vote of confidence in the club's direction. His consistent performance throughout NBL24 was a testament to his work ethic, and we are looking forward to Wani taking his game to another level with the club in NBL25," Campbell said. 
  
“He is widely respected by the playing team, coaching staff, and organisation as a whole. He has close relationships with particular players, including Hyun-Jung Lee, Daniel Grida, and Sam Froling, from their time with the Australian Institute of Sport, and we look forward to Wani calling the Illawarra home for at least the next three seasons." 
  
Coach Tatum added said the 23-year-old was a vital part of the Hawks' plans moving forward.

"Wani is one of our leaders on the defensive end of the floor and continued to show the development of his offensive skill set in NBL24," Tatum added.

"We are excited he has chosen to continue his playing journey with the Hawks. I am very proud of what he has achieved already and look forward to seeing what he brings to the court in the coming seasons."
  
Swaka Lo Buluk will return to Wollongong this week after spending the off-season as part of the Darwin Salties in the NBL1 North competition, under the tutelage of former Hawks head coach Matt Flinn.