US import signs long-term deal to stay with NBL Hawks

Tyler Harvey has signed a long-term deal to remain with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL.

Tyler Harvey will remain at the Illawarra Hawks as the NBL side aims to build on an impressive first season under coach Justin Tatum.

The American combo guard is set to have played with the Hawks for seven seasons by the time he reaches the end of his new three-year deal.

Known for his long-range shooting ability and knack for icing clutch plays, Harvey fills the first of three import slots at the Hawks, the NBL’s big improvers last season.

But according to a club statement, the 30-year-old intends to eventually naturalise as an Australian, which would allow the Hawks to bring in another overseas player.

Harvey, a second-round NBA draft pick in 2015, has played 125 NBL games and was a member of the All-NBL First Team in his first campaign with the Hawks in the 2020/21 season.

His new deal comes after the Hawks confirmed this week that fellow import guard Justin Robinson would not return to the Wollongong side after his second campaign.

The Hawks remain in contact with reigning club MVP Gary Clark, who was pivotal to Illawarra’s surge from the bottom of the ladder to semi-finalists last season.

The former NBA forward has attracted interest from European sides on the back of a bumper first NBL campaign, during which he made the All-NBL First Team.

The bulk of Illawarra’s roster from last season is staying put for Tatum’s first full season in charge, with Daniel Grida, Hyunjung Lee, Lachlan Olbrich, Mason Peatling, Sam Froling, Todd Blanchfield, Will Hickey, AJ Johnson and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk all contracted.

Harvey’s deal comes as the NBL renews its broadcast contract with Channel 10 and ESPN on the back of 26 per cent growth in broadcast audience last season.