The Illawarra Hawks are gearing up for their title defence, with the NBL off-season in full swing. ## What's happening in the NBL?
The Tasmania JackJumpers have secured the signing of sharpshooter Dakota Mathias, a former Brisbane Bullets import.
Mathias, 30, averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game in his brief stint with the Bullets. He shot 36.7 per cent from three-point range.
Why it matters for Illawarra Hawks
The Hawks' last result was a 91-88 loss to Adelaide on 2025-01-13. Their recent form has been poor, with 0 wins, 0 draws, and 3 losses in their last 3 games.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-13 | Adelaide | 91-88 Loss |
What comes next?
The NBL Blitz is less than three months away, and clubs are accelerating their recruitment plans. The Illawarra Hawks will be looking to strengthen their roster to defend their title. Head coach Scott Roth has been reshaping his roster, and the signing of Dakota Mathias is a key addition.
Mathias has an extensive NBA G League resumé, with over 100 appearances. He has connected on 40.5 per cent of his three-point attempts, knocking down 391 triples from 965 attempts.
The JackJumpers finished the 2025-26 season in the middle of the pack from beyond the arc, shooting 32.8 per cent from three. Adding a proven floor spacer like Mathias gives Roth another dangerous offensive weapon.
Key players and stats
Dakota Mathias will be joining the JackJumpers, alongside fellow sharpshooter David Johnson. Taran Armstrong will also be a key player, with Mathias's signing creating more room for him to operate.
The Illawarra Hawks will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses, with their next game crucial in determining their season. And with the NBL Blitz approaching, the Hawks will be looking to finalize their roster and make a strong start to the season. But for now, the focus is on the signings and how they will impact the team's performance. So, the Hawks will be looking to make the most of their new signings and defend their title.
The current context is that the NBL off-season is heating up, with clubs making key signings and re-signings. The Illawarra Hawks are one of the teams looking to strengthen their roster, and their recent form will be a key factor in determining their success. The Hawks' last 3 games have been losses, and they will be looking to turn their form around. The signing of Dakota Mathias by the Tasmania JackJumpers is a key addition to their roster, and the Hawks will be looking to respond with their own signings. The NBL Blitz is approaching, and the Hawks will be looking to make a strong start to the season.