Harvey's Home: Tyler's Love for Wollongong

He may have only been in the NBL for three seasons, but Illawarra’s Tyler Harvey already feels like a rusted-on veteran of the competition.

The sharpshooting guard has established himself as the barometer of the Illawarra Hawks. He’s the co-captain, fan favourite, cult hero and star player.

The now 29-year-old arrived in the competition following a globetrotting journey that took him though Italy, France, the NBA G-League and Germany.

Now, he feels like he’s found a home in Wollongong.

“It’s been home for us for four years – everybody here in the community is amazing,” Harvey told The Spokesman Review. “The location is unbelievable and right on the beach, and it’s very safe and family friendly. It’s amazing, I love it here.

“Those first four or five years [as a professional] were as bumpy as ever. It was a constant battle to stick through it and just trust in your abilities. I had to fight another day and keep up the grind.

“I didn’t have guaranteed success out of the gate – they were challenging times for sure.

“I’m humbled to be able to do this. I don’t take any of it for granted. I still work like I’ve done nothing.”

Harvey has averaged 18.5 points a game across 92 appearances in the NBL. 

Illawarra will open its NBL24 season against local rivals Sydney on Saturday, September 30.

For the full story head to >> “Without Eastern, I’m not where I’m at”: Former Eagles guard Tyler Harvey carving out role in Australia’s professional basketball league.