Sam Froling inks two-year deal with Illawarra Hawks

The Hawks have added another key youngster to their roster for the 2020/21 Hungry Jack’s NBL season with Sam Froling signing a two-year deal.

Froling spent his rookie NBL campaign with The Hawks last season, averaging 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 17 appearances. The 20-year-old made his Australian Boomers debut earlier this year at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

The Hawks Head Coach Brian Goorjian said: “Sam comes from a family with tremendous basketball pedigree and he showcased his potential with The Hawks last season.

“With another offseason under his belt and the confidence gained from making his Boomers debut, we believe Sam will make a major contribution to The Hawks in the future.”

The Hawks Co-Owner Dorry Kordahi said: “Sam’s signing is further evidence of the investment and commitment the ownership group is making in its young talent to ensure they’re part of the club’s future.

“We have been clear that we want to build a team Hawks fans can be proud of on and off the court and with Froling, Emmett Naar, Dan Grida and Deng Deng all signed on, we are delivering on that promise.”

Froling said: “I’m super excited to see where this goes. I think we can be a really strong team and I’m super excited to see where it helps take me and my game.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of guys that he (Goorjian) has developed before and they have nothing but respect for him and say they wouldn’t be where they are without him. Hopefully he can do the same thing for me and I think he can. As long as I apply myself, I think it should work out pretty well.”

Sam is the younger brother of fellow NBL player Harry (Brisbane Bullets), while both his sisters, Keely (Canberra Capitals) and Alicia (Bendigo Spirit), play in the WNBL. He is the son of former NBL player Shane Froling and four- time WNBL champion Jenny Froling.