Lawton set to "prove a point" in 2024

Feature image via: Stuart McEvoy

The NBL1 South’s Ringwood Hawks have been lauded for retaining their star import Jonathan Lawton for the upcoming 2024 season. 

Last season the electric guard averaged 24.6 points, 4.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds and three steals for the Ringwood Hawks, who finished 8-14 on the ladder -- placing 15th to end the season. 

On the latest episode of the NBL1 South podcast, Chris Sermeno believes despite his fantastic statistical efforts, Lawton will have more to prove in 2024. 

"The man is an exciting player, league-leading with three steals a game and he ended the season with a 41-point performance against Nunawading,” Sermeno said on the NBL1 South podcast. 

“I think he’ll almost come back into this season with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove.” 

NBL1 South commentator Michael Thompson saw Lawton up close during the season and said that he was an x-factor in giving the Hawks a point of difference on the court. 

“The man can ball, he can be a difference maker,” Thompson added. 

“When the Hawks are up and about, he is generally one of the highest-scoring people… I think bringing Lawton back in this season for the Hawks is a massive win for them. 

"The one thing they had going for them last season was their speed, at times their shooting wasn’t to the perfection of other teams – which has cost them in a couple of games.

"Jonathan Lawton, on his day, if he can shoot between 30-to-40 points per game. He’s dangerous to stop, he’s dangerous to try and take on.” 

The NBL1 season starts on March 23, see the full fixture here.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.