Everything Clicking for New Hawk Olbrich

Photo via Illawarra Hawks

It was Illawarra or bust for new Hawks recruit Lachlan Olbrich, who believes he just ‘fits’ with the current roster build.

Olbrich played alongside Melbourne United recuirt Flynn Cameron at UC Riverside in the NCAA last season, and after one season at collegiate level will commence his professional career in the NBL.

The Adelaide-born centre played 34 games for the Highlanders across the 2022-23 season, and averaged 11.4 points on almost 50 per cent shooting and 6.1 rebounds per game.

“I like [Illawarra’s] young team,” Olbrich told The Illawarra Mercury. “I’m a young guy and I feel like I am fitting quite well into this new environment.

“We’ve got some great guys and everything’s just clicked.

“I put my name into the roster before I’d signed or done anything, and I thought ‘yeah, this fits quite well’. It’s really just come down to the group of guys we’ve got, and really wanting to play with them.

“I see an opportunity for myself as well.”

Olbrich was the first new signing made by the Hawks this free agency, and looks set to link up with Mason Peatling and Sam Froling in what will be a new look frontcourt for the side.

The Hawks have also acquired Next Star AJ Johnson, as well as re-signing Dan Grida, Harry Morris and Justin Robinson alongside the raft of players who were already committed for NBL24 – including Tyler Harvey.

“I like how we’re getting the team sorted quite early so we can have a lot of time for preparation,” Olbrich said.

“I’ve got the utmost confidence in our team for this year.”

The Hawks will kick off their NBL24 campaign against local rivals and reigning champions Sydney on Saturday, September 30.