Biwali Bayles signs with Illawarra Hawks for NBL26

Image credit: @jasondaann

The Illawarra Hawks have completed their roster for NBL26 with the signing of Biwali Bayles. He joins on a two-year deal, with a team option for the second season.

Fresh off an outstanding season in NBL1 East for the Sydney Comets where he averaged 28.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game, Bayles returns to the NBL after being signed with the Sydney Kings from 2021-2023 where they won two NBL championships, and with the Hawks as a Development Player for the 2023-24 season.

Recently returning from an NBA Summer League stint with the New York Knicks in July, Bayles is primed for an attempt at taking home his third NBL championship.

The 23-year-old joins a stacked Hawks backcourt which includes Davo Hickey, who Bayles spent the season with at the Sydney Comets, two-time All-NBL First Team member Tyler Harvey, star import JaQuori McLaughlin, and Kobe McDowell-White who also had an excellent NBL1 season, and remains a Development Player at the Hawks for NBL26.

Bayles’ season was highlighted by a massive performance against the Sutherland Sharks in his final NBL1 appearance for the year. Check out his highlights from that game below:

For more highlights from the Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 National Finals and the recent NBL1 season, check out the NBL1 YouTube page HERE.

NBL26 begins on Thursday, September 18 as Melbourne United head to Tasmania to take on the JackJumpers. For details on how to watch, click HERE.