NICKNAME/S: Yuns G

BIO: a athletic, slashing, driving, defensive wing who can guard multiple positions, Daniel Grida was born in Perth (WA) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Lakeside Lightning as a junior before accepting a scholarship to Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence. Grida received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2017. He spent two years year there and played for the program’s state league team (2017, 2018).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Daniel Grida made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 20 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.

After falling just short of the playoffs in 2018, Illawarra underwent significant roster changes, losing several key players, including Demitrius Conger (to Serbia), Rotnei Clarke (to Greece), Nicholas Kay (to Perth), Delvon Johnson (to Slovakia), and longtime contributors Cody Ellis and Rhys Martin, who both retired. To fill these gaps, the Hawks brought in Jordair Jett (via NZNBL), Brian Conklin (via France), David Andersen (via Melbourne), Cedric Jackson (via USA), and rookies Emmett Naar and Daniel Grida, while retaining AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad, and Nic Pozoglou.

The Hawks began their campaign with an epic quadruple-overtime loss to Melbourne (122–123) in one of the most memorable games of the season. Despite the tough start, Illawarra showed resilience with key wins, including a road victory over Cairns (104–93) and a two-game win streak against Brisbane (86–78) and Adelaide (120–109) in October. However, inconsistency plagued the team, and a four-game losing streak in November, which included losses to Perth (81–90) and Sydney (79–104), derailed their momentum. The Hawks finished the season outside playoff contention with a 12-16 record.

Rookie Daniel Grida (5.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists) proved a valuable contributor off the bench, showcasing his defensive skills and energy. His standout performances included a 17-point effort against New Zealand (14 Feb 2019) and a 13-point, 2-rebound game against Brisbane (7 Feb 2019). Despite his limited role, Grida finished third in the league’s Rookie of the Year voting, solidifying himself as a promising young talent.

Illawarra’s leaders included Brian Conklin (14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists), Todd Blanchfield (13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists), who earned team MVP honours, and Jordair Jett (11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists). Despite their individual performances, the team struggled to maintain consistency, missing the postseason in a highly competitive year.

2019/20
In the 2019/20 season, Illawarra faced another challenging year, finishing last on the ladder with a 5-23 record. Grida featured in 27 games, averaging 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while continuing to develop his game. The Hawks struggled to find their rhythm amid injuries and roster changes, resulting in their second consecutive season without playoff action.

2020/21
In April 2020, the Hawks’ season began with the team falling into voluntary administration, with creditors voting to liquidate the Hawks one month later. The NBL, however, vowed to keep the club alive, and on 17 June 2020, the NBL announced that Dorry Kordahi, Bryan Colangelo, and Michael Proctor had been awarded the license for the club.

Under the agreement with the new ownership, the team was renamed “The Hawks” in an effort to broaden its appeal in New South Wales. Shortly after, it was announced that Brian Goorjian would join the team as head coach. With all players needing to renew their contracts under the new ownership, Sam Froling and Emmett Naar were the only players from the previous season’s roster to return. The revamped roster began with the signing of Deng Adel, who had just completed a short stint with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, and Cam Bairstow, who had returned to Australia after spending a season in Lithuania cut short due to COVID-19. Both players were part of the Australian Boomers national squad. Justinian Jessup, signed as a Next Star player, was placed on a two-year contract, while imports Tyler Harvey and Justin Simon were also brought in to focus on offense and defense, respectively.

The Hawks’ season began with plenty of off-court drama. Fan-favorites AJ Ogilvy and Tim Coenraad were omitted from the roster but later added as injury replacements. Meanwhile, a campaign to reinstate “Illawarra” in the team’s name gained traction, eventually leading to the name being reinstated in early February ahead of the club’s first home game.

Illawarra faced numerous challenges during the season, including the loss of Cam Bairstow, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season after missing nine games with a hip issue, and Daniel Grida, who ruptured the ACL in his right knee while playing in the state league. Deng Adel also struggled to make an impact (5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2 assists) and requested a release midway through the season to protect his NBA aspirations.

The Hawks rallied in the latter half of the season, winning eight of their final 10 games to secure a third-place finish (20-16) and their first postseason appearance since 2017. Scoring proved to be a challenge for the Hawks, as they finished with the lowest points-per-game average in the league (81.5) and the worst field goal percentage (42.5%). Despite these struggles, the Hawks pushed into the semifinals, where they faced the defending champions, the Perth Wildcats. Illawarra managed a two-point win in Game 1 but lost Games 2 and 3, ending their playoff run.

Daniel Grida, who returned mid-season in Round 12, appeared in 18 games, averaging 3.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 steals. However, his comeback was short-lived, as he re-injured his ACL during preseason training in September 2021, ruling him out for the entire 2021/22 season.

2021/22
Illawarra entered the 2021/22 season with high expectations after nearly defeating Perth in the previous year’s semifinals. Tyler Harvey re-signed on a three-year deal, while Antonius Cleveland and Xavier Rathan-Mayes joined as key imports. Unfortunately, Daniel Grida suffered a re-injury to his ACL during preseason training in September 2021, ruling him out for the entire season.

The Hawks finished second (19-9) but again fell short in the playoffs, losing to Sydney in the semifinals. Duop Reath (15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) claimed team MVP honours, while Antonius Cleveland (14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks) earned the Damian Martin Trophy for Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-NBL First Team.

2022/23
After reaching the semifinals in consecutive seasons, Illawarra entered the 2022/23 campaign without Brian Goorjian, who departed to coach the Bay Area Dragons in the East Asia Super League. Long-time assistant Jacob Jackomas was promoted to head coach, but Duop Reath (to China), Justinian Jessup (to Spain), Antonius Cleveland (to Adelaide), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (to Melbourne), Harry Froling (to Brisbane) and Emmett Naar (to the Netherlands) departed, while AJ Ogilvy retired, leaving Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling as the only players retained from the previous season’s main rotation. Jackomas added Deng Deng (via Brisbane), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (via Sydney), Mangok Mathiang (via Casey) and imports Justin Robinson and George King.

Daniel Grida had signed a two-year extension in March 2022, but a high-grade hamstring tear suffered in September delayed his return after he had spent the previous season recovering from the second ACL rupture of his career. Kevin White (via Perth) was signed as Grida’s injury replacement, with the setback keeping him out of Illawarra’s opening 14 games rather than four.

Grida (0 points and 2 rebounds) made his return against Sydney at the WIN Entertainment Centre on December 16, playing five minutes in his first NBL appearance since June 2021. Harvey (19 points) and Peyton Siva (15 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led Illawarra, while Xavier Cooks (21 points and 9 rebounds) guided the Kings to an 86-79 win.

Grida (5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds across 14 games) played every remaining game and made one start as his minutes gradually increased. After returning, he said, “I’m fully good to go … I feel like I can play 40 minutes but that’s not the plan right now.”

The team around him remained unsettled, with Robinson (10 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists across one game) suffering a season-ending meniscus tear in the opening game and being replaced by Siva (9.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 11 games), whose season was later ended by a shoulder injury. King (10.7 points and 4.1 rebounds across nine games) was placed on injury reserve because of a persistent ankle and lower-leg injury, with Michael Frazier II (via Perth, 17.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across eight games) replacing him before suffering a broken left arm against Adelaide.

Grida’s best game came against Tasmania at the WIN Entertainment Centre on January 10, where he made six of 11 field goals and finished with a season-high 16 points and 5 rebounds. Harvey (22 points) and Froling (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) also produced strong performances, while Rashard Kelly (18 points and 5 rebounds) led the JackJumpers to a 92-89 win.

Grida (3 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) contributed to one of Illawarra’s three victories against New Zealand at Spark Arena on January 19. Harvey (25 points and 3 steals) and Mathiang (15 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks, while Dererk Pardon (19 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was New Zealand’s best before Harvey made a long three-pointer as time expired to give Illawarra a 78-76 win.

Harvey (18.9 points and 1.5 steals across 27 games) led Illawarra in scoring and received the Members’ Choice Award, while Froling (14 points and 8 rebounds across 28 games) was named club MVP. Deng (8.6 points and 6.5 rebounds across 28 games) and Mathiang (7.7 points and 5.1 rebounds across 25 games) were the other main contributors, while Swaka Lo Buluk (4.9 points across 28 games) received the Defensive Player of the Year award and Akoldah Gak (1 point across 13 games) was named Players’ Player. Grida received the club’s Community Award for the second consecutive year and was selected for Australia’s February World Cup qualifying squad after completing his return from injury, while the Hawks suffered 14 losses by ten points or fewer.

Illawarra closed the season against Tasmania at the WIN Entertainment Centre on February 4, where Grida (9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal), Harvey (13 points) and Froling (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) led the Hawks, while Milton Doyle (20 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) guided the JackJumpers to an 87-63 win, leaving Illawarra in 10th place with a franchise-worst 3-25 record.

2023/24
Following an injury-plagued campaign which produced the worst record in club history, Illawarra entered Jacob Jackomas’ second year as head coach looking to recover from a 3-25 season. Tim Coenraad and Kevin White retired, while Akoldah Gak (to Cairns), Mangok Mathiang (to New Zealand), Alex Mudronja (to Cairns), Michael Frazier II, Peyton Siva, Lachie Dent and Deng Deng departed. Captain Sam Froling, Tyler Harvey, Justin Robinson, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, William Hickey, Daniel Grida and Harry Morris returned, while Jackomas added Todd Blanchfield (via Perth), Mason Peatling (via Melbourne), Biwali Bayles (via Sydney), Lachlan Olbrich (via UC Riverside), Hyunjung Lee (via Santa Cruz), AJ Johnson (via Southern California Academy), Gary Clark (via Mexico City) and Luca Yates (via NCAA).

Illawarra opened the season against Sydney at the WIN Entertainment Centre on September 30, where Grida produced his best game of the season. Grida (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist) made 6-of-8 from the field and both three-point attempts in 14:14 off the bench, scoring seven consecutive points and providing defensive pressure during the third quarter, but the Kings won 96-81. Harvey (19 points and 3 steals) and Froling (12 points and 11 rebounds) also contributed for the Hawks, while Kouat Noi (23 points and 4 rebounds) led Sydney.

Grida (5.2 points across 10 games) had held a player option for NBL24 but instead agreed to a new two-year deal which kept him with Illawarra through the NBL25 season. Hawks GM of Basketball Mat Campbell said, “Dan provides us with a real x-factor, and his athleticism is a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. With a full off-season under his belt, we expect Dan to play a pivotal role for us in the NBL24 season.” Grida made three starts and averaged 12.4 minutes but did not appear again after mid-November. He re-aggravated his previously injured right knee on December 28, was initially ruled out for four weeks and remained unavailable for the rest of the season, with Kyle Adnam (via South East Melbourne) signed as his nominated injury replacement.

Illawarra held a 2-7 record when Jackomas and the club parted ways in November, with assistant Justin Tatum promoted to interim head coach and overseeing the team’s turnaround. Clark (17 points and 7.8 rebounds across 33 games) led the Hawks in scoring, won the club MVP and Members’ Choice awards and was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Froling (15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds across 33 games) received the NBL Next Generation Award. Harvey (15.1 points across 33 games), Robinson (12 points and 4.4 assists across 33 games), Lee (7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds across 32 games), Swaka Lo Buluk (6 points across 32 games) and Hickey (5.2 points across 25 games) were the other main contributors. Despite playing only ten games, Grida received Illawarra’s Players’ Player and Community awards as the Hawks finished fourth with a 14-14 record.

Grida remained unavailable when Illawarra opened the postseason in Tasmania, where Clark (21 points and 10 rebounds) and Harvey (15 points) led the Hawks, while Jack McVeigh (26 points and 11 rebounds) and Will Magnay (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks) carried the JackJumpers to a 92-76 victory. The Hawks then hosted New Zealand in an elimination game, with Robinson (26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Froling (21 points and 9 rebounds) leading Illawarra, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (19 points and 9 assists) and Zylan Cheatham (14 points and 9 rebounds) were the Breakers’ best in an 88-85 Hawks victory.

The semifinal series opened at John Cain Arena, where Froling (26 points and 5 rebounds) and Clark (22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Illawarra, while Matthew Dellavedova (30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals) and Luke Travers (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) powered Melbourne to a 115-106 overtime win. Game two moved to Wollongong, where Clark (31 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (23 points), Froling (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Hickey (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Illawarra, while Dellavedova (20 points and 8 assists) and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points and 7 rebounds) were Melbourne’s best as the Hawks won 113-108 in overtime. Game three returned to Melbourne, where Froling (23 points and 4 rebounds), Robinson (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Clark (14 points and 6 rebounds) led Illawarra, while Shea Ili (22 points) and Travers (15 points and 11 rebounds) carried United, with Grida remaining unavailable as Melbourne won 100-94.

2024/25
After reaching the semifinals the previous season, Illawarra entered Justin Tatum’s first full campaign without Gary Clark (to Yokohama), Justin Robinson (to Trapani), AJ Johnson (to Milwaukee), Kyle Adnam (to Cairns) and Biwali Bayles (to Nyon). Daniel Grida returned alongside Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, William Hickey, Hyunjung Lee, Lachlan Olbrich, Mason Peatling and Todd Blanchfield, while Tatum added Trey Kell III (via Adelaide), Darius Days (via Winnipeg), Zac Triplett (via Melbourne) and Brad Ballinger (via Illawarra NBL1).

The fan favourite entered the final season of the two-year deal signed in March 2023, which kept him in Wollongong through NBL25 after two injury-interrupted campaigns and a knee injury limited him to ten games the previous season. At the time of signing, he said, “I love the club, coaches, my teammates and the city, and it was always my priority to sign a long-term contract with the Hawks.”

Illawarra opened the season at HoopsFest on September 21 with a 102-75 win over Cairns, where Grida (0 points in 3:37) appeared briefly off the bench as Days (20 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Froling (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Hawks, while Tanner Groves (19 points and 7 rebounds) was Cairns’ best.

Grida (2.2 points across 17 games) spent much of the regular season outside Tatum’s main rotation but continued to provide athleticism, defensive pressure and energy when called upon, with his opportunities increasing during the final weeks.

Grida (2 points and 2 rebounds) typified Illawarra’s effort against defending champion Tasmania on October 12 when he launched himself over the courtside advertising signage and into the crowd while attempting to keep the ball in play. Froling (21 points and 5 rebounds) and Harvey (19 points and 4 assists) led the Hawks to a 109-76 win, while Jordon Crawford (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Tasmania’s best.

His best regular-season scoring game came against New Zealand on February 5, where Grida (8 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal) made all four field-goal attempts in 10:45 and completed the victory with a breakaway dunk as Illawarra won 96-82 and secured the first regular-season championship in club history. Harvey (29 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Blanchfield (17 points and 4 rebounds) led the Hawks, while Tacko Fall (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks) was New Zealand’s best.

Kobe McDowell-White (via Sunshine Coast) joined the Hawks as a development player in October, while Kuany Kuany (via VCU) was added as a nominated replacement player in November.

Harvey (17.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Kell (17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists) led Illawarra’s offence, with Froling (14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds), Days (11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds), Hickey (8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists), Olbrich (8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds), Swaka Lo Buluk (7.8 points) and Lee (7.7 points and 3.4 rebounds) forming one of the league’s deepest rotations. Harvey and Kell earned All-NBL First Team selections, Froling was named to the All-NBL Second Team and Tatum received the Lindsay Gaze Trophy as NBL Coach of the Year as Illawarra finished first with a 20-9 record.

Illawarra opened the semifinals at the WIN Entertainment Centre with a 101-94 win over South East Melbourne, where Grida (7 points) made all three field-goal attempts in 3:31 as Kell (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Harvey (24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Blanchfield (16 points and 6 rebounds) led the Hawks, while Joe Wieskamp (22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks), Nathan Sobey (17 points and 9 rebounds) and Derrick Walton Jr (15 points and 11 assists) led the Phoenix.

Grida’s best game of the season came in game two at John Cain Arena, where he finished with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals during 11:07 off the bench. Hickey (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Froling (11 points and 5 rebounds) led Illawarra, but Matt Hurt (30 points and 2 blocks), Sobey (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) carried South East Melbourne to a 101-94 win and levelled the series.

The deciding game returned to Wollongong, where Grida (4 points) contributed during nine minutes as Kell (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists), Blanchfield (28 points and 4 rebounds) and Harvey (12 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) powered Illawarra to a 126-96 win, while Wieskamp (25 points and 5 rebounds), Sobey (19 points and 6 rebounds) and Owen Foxwell (13 points and 3 steals) led the Phoenix. Grida was ejected late following a heavy foul on Wieskamp and the confrontation which followed as the Hawks advanced to their first Grand Final since 2017.

The Grand Final series opened in Wollongong, where Melbourne defeated Illawarra 96-88 behind Matthew Dellavedova (18 points and 7 rebounds), Chris Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Marcus Lee (14 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks), while Froling (16 points and 7 rebounds), Hickey (14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) and Blanchfield (13 points and 3 rebounds) led the Hawks. Grida (0 points in 13 seconds) appeared briefly.

Game two moved to John Cain Arena, where Grida (2 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal) contributed during eight minutes as Harvey (24 points), Froling (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kell (18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) led Illawarra to a 102-100 win, while Ian Clark (31 points), Goulding (17 points and 4 assists) and Dellavedova (14 points and 5 assists) led Melbourne before Harvey made the winning three-pointer with six seconds remaining.

Melbourne regained control in game three with an 83-77 road win behind Jack White (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals), Clark (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Dellavedova (16 points and 11 assists), while Hickey (12 points), Days (11 points and 4 rebounds) and Kell (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Illawarra. Grida (1 rebound and 1 assist) played 1:43 in the loss.

Facing elimination in game four, Grida (1 point, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided 14:36 off the bench as Hickey (22 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Olbrich (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Harvey (12 points and 4 rebounds) carried Illawarra to an 80-71 win, while Dellavedova (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), Goulding (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Clark (16 points and 2 steals) led Melbourne. The Hawks entered without Kell because of a knee injury before Froling (5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) ruptured his Achilles during the second quarter.

Game five returned to Wollongong, where Kell (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists), Hickey (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Harvey (16 points and 7 rebounds) led Illawarra to a 114-104 win, while Goulding (21 points, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Shea Ili (20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and White (17 points and 7 rebounds) were Melbourne’s best. Dellavedova (5 points and 7 assists) was awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy before handing it to Hickey as Illawarra claimed its second championship and first since 2001. Grida (2 points and 1 assist) played 7:24 in the championship win.

2025/26After winning its second NBL championship the previous season, Illawarra entered 2025/26 without Trey Kell III (to Toyama), Darius Days (to San-en), Lachlan Olbrich (to Chicago) and Hyunjung Lee (to Nagasaki), while Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, William Hickey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Mason Peatling and Todd Blanchfield returned from the title-winning rotation.

Head coach Justin Tatum added imports JaQuori McLaughlin (via Jakarta) and JaVale McGee (via Bayamón), while Jonah Bolden (via Arecibo), Harry Froling (via Melbourne), Biwali Bayles (via Sydney), Johny Narkle (via Geraldton) and development player Jackson Ball (via Hawke’s Bay) also joined the roster.

Daniel Grida signed a two-year extension in April after helping Illawarra win the championship, keeping him with the Hawks through 2026/27. The agreement followed his first complete NBL season and full offseason after several years interrupted by knee injuries.

Illawarra raised its championship banner before opening the season against Tasmania at the WIN Entertainment Centre on September 27, where Grida (0 points in 10:32) appeared off the bench as the JackJumpers won 91-86. McGee (32 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Harvey (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Hawks, while Hamilton (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Tasmania’s best.

Grida (6.3 points across 29 games) increased his role to almost 12 minutes per game and produced his highest scoring average, shooting 59 per cent from the field and 48 per cent from three while providing defensive pressure, athleticism and energy off the bench. He also worked through concussion protocols and reached his 150th appearance for Illawarra.

Grida’s best scoring game came against Cairns on December 6, when he scored 12 quick points late in the third quarter and finished with a career-high 18 points and 1 rebound on 6-of-7 shooting, including both three-point attempts, but the Taipans defeated Illawarra 93-76. McGee (17 points and 11 rebounds) and Harvey (12 points) provided support, while Andrews (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Cairns.

McLaughlin (7.7 points and 4 assists across 3 games) was released in October and replaced by Peterson (15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 26 games), while Froling (11 points and 6.7 rebounds across 15 games) missed the opening months recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in the previous Grand Final series and Bolden (4.4 points and 5.5 rebounds across 8 games) was ruled out with groin and foot injuries.

McGee (19.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 31 games) and Harvey (16.9 points and 3.6 assists across 31 games) led Illawarra’s offence, while Hickey (12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across 27 games), Swaka Lo Buluk (8 points across 33 games), Peatling (6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds across 33 games) and Blanchfield (5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds across 32 games) carried the remaining rotation. McGee was named to the All-NBL Second Team and won the club MVP award, while Grida received the Players’ Player and Most Improved Player awards and Swaka Lo Buluk was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Already eliminated from the postseason, Illawarra closed the season at MyState Bank Arena on February 18 with a 103-70 win over Tasmania, handing the JackJumpers their biggest home defeat in franchise history. Harvey (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Peterson (20 points and 3 assists) led the Hawks, while Bannan (17 points) was Tasmania’s best as Illawarra finished eighth with a 13-20 record, one win short of the play-in tournament. Grida (4 points and 3 rebounds) played 12:32 in the win.

Daniel Grida currently plays for the Illawarra Hawks and has played 144 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 4.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists since entering the league in 2018.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Illawarra Hawks – 2 Year Deal (2025-27)

HIGHLIGHTS: