Hawks are steadily losing a lot of players, don't think they'll be in contention this year although like Tassie have outperformed expectations. But losing Kell, Froling, Olbrich and now Lee, can they find some more diamonds in the rough?
Would have rated Lee as one of the most underrated players in the league and likely to have taken another step and become a bigger contributor. Low maintenance and dangerous shooter.
The Illawarra Hawks have confirmed that sharpshooting wing Hyunjung Lee has mutually agreed to part ways with the club.
Lee has signed a one-year deal with Nagasaki Velca in Japan's B.League, playing alongside former Breakers import, Jarrell Brantley.
Signed to a three-year deal ahead of the 2023-24 season, Lee made a memorable impact on the Hawks’ run to the NBL Finals, averaging 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
As the first player of Korean descent to don a Hawks jersey, he arrived with elite credentials; a distinguished Davidson collegiate record highlighted by a historic 50‑40‑90 shooting season, G League experience with the Santa Cruz Warriors, and early training at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra.
Over two NBL seasons, Lee appeared in 61 games for Illawarra, averaging close to 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while shooting over 37 per cent from deep.
The Hawks thanked Lee for his professionalism, energy, and the international bridge he helped forge through his presence on and off the court.
General Manager Matt Campbell said, "He’ll always be welcomed back. An outstanding human and one of the nicest clubmen we’ve ever had."
