The Illawarra Hawks have decided on their starting point guard, ending an off-season of speculation following the departure of Trey Kell.
Chasing a second-straight NBL Championship, the Hawks had a number of positions to fill, losing Kell and fellow import Darius Days, as well as a number of additional high-impact players.
But one of their star players from the 2025 Finals series will see a promotion in the new season, with Will 'Davo' Hickey officially named the starting point guard for the reigning champs.
Illawarra Hawks make call on starting point guard
Will Hickey will partner Tyler Harvey in the backcourt for the Illawarra Hawks, according to head coach Justin Tatum.
Speaking to ESPN, Tatum said that Hickey had more than earned the starting spot, after many believed that he was the rightful Finals MVP from last season's series - the award presented to Melbourne's Matthew Dellavedova despite his team being defeated.
"Davo is my starting point guard," Tatum said.
"He earned it, deserved it, it's his spot, as of now, to lead our team.
"[Any import] we fit has to understand that they have to complement [Hickey] and Tyler, and JaVale [McGee], and want to come off the bench and be like an Ian Clark, or somebody who's a spark plug.
"Right now, Davo's my guy at that position."
Hickey had a productive off-season, travelling to Las Vegas to play for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Summer League, before being named as part of the Boomers side that would win the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
He will now return to the Gong in pursuit of a second-straight championship.