NBL1 West: Tough return for Leary and McRae as their Hawks go home happy after Albany showpiece
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Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
'So special': NBL star back after one-punch attack
Harry Froling will make an inspirational NBL comeback with Illawarra less than three years after a one-punch attack left him fighting for life in hospital. The former NBL rookie of the year has signed with the defending champions for the new season which begins in September. Froling returned to the basketball court in the second-tier NBL1 and the NZNBL this year but an NBL return is a much more significant leap. Froling's last NBL game was for the Brisbane Bullets on January 21, 2023 against the Hawks. On a night out after the game, he was knocked to the ground unconscious on the streets of Wollongong in a one-punch attack that required brain surgery. His attacker was jailed and is eligible for parole in December. On his long road to recovery, Froling joined the Hawks for some informal training sessions ahead of their historic championship series win over Melbourne United. "Super happy to get Harry back at the 'Gong," brother Sam said. "It's been such a hard road for him and to see him rewarded with an opportunity to get back in the NBL is so special, and to have it be the team that has given me my opportunity speaks to the quality of this club and their investment in people." Illawarra's game-five triumph over United sealed only the second title in the history of the league's last remaining foundation club, and first since 2001. The Hawks have retained the majority of their roster but have farewelled NBA draftee Lachlan Olbrich and imports Trey Kell and Darius Days. Elsewhere, South East Melbourne have signed Belgian forward Vrenz Bleijenbergh as their first import for the upcoming campaign. Bleijenbergh most recently played for Turkish side Yukatel Merkezefendi and has played for the Chicago Bulls' G-League affiliate Windy City. He replaces would-be American import Omari Moore, who has been released by a mutual agreement so he could sign with EuroLeague side Valencia.
West Australian
13 hours ago
- West Australian
'So special': NBL star back after one-punch attack
Harry Froling will make an inspirational NBL comeback with Illawarra less than three years after a one-punch attack left him fighting for life in hospital. The former NBL rookie of the year has signed with the defending champions for the new season which begins in September. Froling returned to the basketball court in the second-tier NBL1 and the NZNBL this year but an NBL return is a much more significant leap. Froling's last NBL game was for the Brisbane Bullets on January 21, 2023 against the Hawks. On a night out after the game, he was knocked to the ground unconscious on the streets of Wollongong in a one-punch attack that required brain surgery. His attacker was jailed and is eligible for parole in December. On his long road to recovery, Froling joined the Hawks for some informal training sessions ahead of their historic championship series win over Melbourne United. "Super happy to get Harry back at the 'Gong," brother Sam said. "It's been such a hard road for him and to see him rewarded with an opportunity to get back in the NBL is so special, and to have it be the team that has given me my opportunity speaks to the quality of this club and their investment in people." Illawarra's game-five triumph over United sealed only the second title in the history of the league's last remaining foundation club, and first since 2001. The Hawks have retained the majority of their roster but have farewelled NBA draftee Lachlan Olbrich and imports Trey Kell and Darius Days. Elsewhere, South East Melbourne have signed Belgian forward Vrenz Bleijenbergh as their first import for the upcoming campaign. Bleijenbergh most recently played for Turkish side Yukatel Merkezefendi and has played for the Chicago Bulls' G-League affiliate Windy City. He replaces would-be American import Omari Moore, who has been released by a mutual agreement so he could sign with EuroLeague side Valencia.
West Australian
15 hours ago
- West Australian
Michael Walters: Fremantle Dockers to farewell retiring great with half time tribute in Hawthorn Hawks game
Fremantle will wave goodbye to their favoured 'Son', with the club to pay tribute to Michael Walters during halftime of Saturday night's clash with Hawthorn. Walters announced his retirement last Thursday, bringing an end to one of the most storied careers after 239 games and 365 goals. However, fans will have one last chance to see Walters on home turf with the five-time leading goalkicker to complete a lap of honour during halftime against the Hawks. The club will also display a highlights package on the big screen, while fans will also be able to collect a Fremantle's Favourite Son-Son placard from volunteers at selected gates upon entry. Walters will also be honoured in his home suburb with Midland Gata announcing a new public art piece, a 'Midland Legends Mural' celebrating locals who have had a lasting impact on society. It comes after Dockers forward Isaiah Dudley paid tribute to Walters by replicating his 'M' celebration after kicking a goal against Sydney on Sunday. 'Midvale, Midland was a huge part of my life. I had a lot of mates back there that had more talent than what I had and I was able to go forward with a career with two of my best mates in Nic Nat and Chris Yarran,' Walters said at his retirement press conference. 'Everything I have achieved in my life, it all started back there. That's why it's important for me to get back there as much as I can. 'In the back-end of my career, I tried to represent Midvale-Midland as much as I can, I brought out the 'M' (celebration) over the last couple of years because I knew my time was coming to an end.' The artwork is set to portray Walters in a life-like format and is being created by Noongar and Eastern Arrernte artist Jade Dolman (J.D. Penangke) and Brendan Lewis of Hope Perth Studios.
