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.
The 27-year-old centre will serve as an injury replacement for his brother Sam, who suffered an achilles injury during game four of the championship series in March.
"It means a lot to be back with the Hawks," said Harry Froling, who played for Illawarra in the 2021/22 season.
"I'm a different player to what I was in 2022 and I look forward to giving back to the club who has done so much for me over the past few years."
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.
