Twenty Years On: The Championship Team That Defined a Generation of Hawks Basketball
As the Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks prepare to celebrate their 50th anniversary this Saturday, championship-winning coach Shawn Dennis is reflecting on the culture, leadership and community support that helped deliver one of the most significant achievements in the club’s history. The Hawks’ 2006 National Basketball League title remains a defining moment for the organisation. […]
From Centennial Hall to the Hawks Nest: 50 Years of Hawks Basketball
Centennial Hall once echoed with the sound of temporary grandstands being bolted together, sneakers skidding across concrete edges alongside the parquet floor, and a small regional basketball side daring to dream big. Fifty years on, that dream has become one of Hawke’s Bay’s great sporting stories. The Big Barrel Hawks will celebrate their 50th anniversary […]
Big Barrel Hawks Round 5 Action!
The Auckland Tuatara have built solid early-season momentum, stacking up results across their opening run and showing they’ll be a genuine threat in 2026. But the Big Barrel Hawks aren’t far off. Through the first stretch of the season, the Big Barrel Hawks have been in tantalisingly close contests, right in the fight and building […]
Big Barrel Hawks Round 4 Action!
This ANZAC week, we’re proud to stand together as a community as the Big Barrel Hawks host the Canterbury Rams at Rodney Green Arenas. We’ve long recognised ANZAC Day through moments that matter. Acknowledging service, creating space for reflection, and bringing people together through the game we love. Thursday night continues that tradition. And here’s […]
Big Barrel Hawks Round 3 Action!
This ANZAC week, we’re proud to stand together as a community as the Big Barrel Hawks host the Canterbury Rams at Rodney Green Arenas. We’ve long recognised ANZAC Day through moments that matter. Acknowledging service, creating space for reflection, and bringing people together through the game we love. Thursday night continues that tradition. And here’s […]
Hawks Strengthen Frontcourt with McLaughlin Signing
The Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks have strengthened their frontcourt with the signing of American forward Jeremy McLaughlin. Joining them in time for Thursday night’s home game against the Canterbury Rams at the “Nest” Rodney Green Arenas. McLaughlin joins the Hawks as a 6’7” power forward with a strong professional background across multiple international leagues. […]
Big Barrel Hawks Friday Night Hoops
The Hawke’s Bay Hawks are back at home at the Nest this Friday, 17 April, taking on the Manawatū Jets in what shapes as a fast, physical early-season test. After a sharp pre-season hit out where we got up by 10 points, the Jets will be looking to counter. Despite a close losses to the […]
Adnam Brings 250-Game NBL Pedigree to the Hawks
The Big Barrel Hawks have confirmed the signing of Australian guard Kyle Adnam for the 2026 Sal’s NBL season, adding one of the most experienced players in Australasian basketball to their roster. The 32 year old played his 250th Australian NBL game in October 2025, a milestone that places him among a rare group of […]
Built in the Bay, Ready for 2026
The Hawke’s Bay Hawks head into the 2026 Sal’s NBL season with a squad that reflects both growth and intent. At the heart of the group is a core of local players who have developed strongly over the past two seasons, players who understand the environment, the expectations, and what it means to represent the […]
Ball Back Home: One of the Bay’s Brightest Returns
The Big Barrel Hawks have landed one of their biggest signings for 2026, bringing back Jackson Ball, widely regarded as one of the most exciting young guards in New Zealand and on the global stage, as they push towards a championship. A Napier Boys’ High School product, Ball’s rise over the past 12 months has […]
