Casson Back in Flight After Injury Setback
The Big Barrel Hawks have confirmed the return of Balin Casson for the 2026 Sal’s National Basketball League season. The young forward rejoins the squad after missing the 2025 campaign while recovering from an ACL injury. Casson suffered the injury during the 2024 season, forcing him to sit out the entire 2025 Sal’s NBL season. […]
Bush III Adds Energy to Hawks Championship Push
The Big Barrel Hawks continue to strengthen their Hawke’s Bay core with the return of local wing Clifton Bush III, a player whose connection to the region and the club runs deep. Born and raised in Napier, Bush came through the Hawke’s Bay pathway before developing his game at Napier Boys’ High School, where his […]
Tall Black No. 307: International Edge, Championship Intent
Fresh off his debut with the New Zealand Tall Blacks, Keanu Rasmussen, is returning to the Big Barrel Hawks. His elevation to the national stage capped a significant 12 months. Rasmussen featured in New Zealand’s gritty win over the Philippines in Manila before delivering a breakout second performance against Guam, drilling a corner three for […]
Next in Line: Allan Learning from the Best
Isaac Allan’s rise as one of the Hawks’ most promising offensive threats continues in 2026, with the young sharpshooter embracing the opportunity to refine his craft alongside veteran guard Alonzo Burton. At the core of Allan’s game is a high-level ability to shoot the basketball. Whether it’s catch-and-shoot threes, spacing the floor in transition, or […]
Kara Returns as Hawks build winning culture.
Winning at NBL level isn’t negotiable — it’s the standard. That’s why the Big Barrel Hawks are pleased to confirm the re-signing of Kobe Kara for the 2026 Sal’s National Basketball League season. Kara’s value lies in the professionalism, reliability and competitive edge he brings every day. Over recent seasons, he has established himself as […]
Burton Back Where He Belongs
Back in the Nest: Burton Returns Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand — The Big Barrel Hawks are proud to announce the signing of Alonzo Burton as the club’s first confirmed player for the 2026 Sal’s NBL season. For Burton, this is more than just another contract — it’s a homecoming. Raised in Hawke’s Bay and a […]
Big Barrel Hawks Return to Wairoa for Preseason Clinic and Intersquad Game
The Big Barrel Hawks are set to return to Wairoa on March 14th, continuing their commitment to connecting with communities across the Hawke’s Bay region. Following the strong support shown during previous preseason visits, the Big Barrel Hawks will once again bring National League basketball directly to Wairoa — delivering a free kids clinic and […]
Lopez Takes Hawks Reins in New-Era Move
A new era is taking shape for the Big Barrel Hawks. The club has appointed Will Lopez as Head Coach for the 2026 Sal’s NBL season, signalling a clear intent to lift performance standards, sharpen the team’s competitive edge and put Hawke’s Bay basketball back in the hunt for a title. Lopez arrives with a […]
Courtside Contributor: Travis Brings Canadian character to the Big Barrel Hawks
From the cold winters of Saskatoon to the hardwood courts of Hawke’s Bay, Canadian volunteer Travis Struik has found more than just a scenic stopover in New Zealand—he’s found a team and a place to call home. A lifelong basketball fan and player with a sharp understanding of the game, Travis connected with the Big […]
Basketball for All: Hawks Team Up with Disability Sport & Recreation Hawke’s Bay
This weekend, the Big Barrel Hawks are calling on fans to back a cause that brings the spirit of sport to life—basketball for all. At their home game this Saturday 28 June, the Hawks will welcome members from Disability Sport and Recreation Hawke’s Bay (DSRHB) who will be collecting cash donations to help fund inclusive […]
