The Hawke’s Bay Hawks are excited to announce the signing of 26-year-old forward Darnell Cowart for the 2025 Sals National League Basketball Season.
Cowart, known for his physicality and rebounding prowess, brings a wealth of experience and a dominant presence in the paint. With the ability to put the ball on the floor offensively and create his own shot, Cowart will be a tough cover for opposing teams.
Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 270 pounds, Cowart’s combination of size and skill allows him to excel in both forward positions, contributing as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. His time with Elitzur Yavne in 2024 saw him average 16.8 points per game with a field goal percentage of 56.1% and a free throw percentage of 88.2%. His powerful performances on both ends of the floor make him a valuable addition to the Hawks’ roster.
“We are thrilled to have Darnell join the team,” said Jarrod Kenny, General Manager of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks. “His experience internationally, combined with his size and skill set, makes him a great fit for our forward positions. We believe Darnell will be a major contributor to our success this upcoming season.”
Head Coach Sam Gruggen added, “Darnell brings an incredible level of energy and physicality that will elevate our team. His rebounding and scoring ability will provide us with another dimension, and his leadership on and off the court is something we’re looking forward to seeing. We are excited to watch him grow and contribute to our success.”
Cowart shared his excitement about joining the Hawks: “I can’t wait to join the Hawks and continue to build on my career in a competitive environment. This team is full of talented players, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and leaving it all out on the floor.”
Cowart joins fellow players Campbell Scott, Lennox Singh, Isaac Allan, Maz Taylor, Kobe Kara, Harry Keighley, Ezrah Eagle, Clifton Bush III, Jacob Murphy, and Jackson Ball on the 2025 Hawks roster. Season memberships are available, and tickets for individual games can be found at hawks.flicket.co.nz. Be sure to secure your seats at Rodney Green Arenas to watch Cowart and the Hawks in action during the 2025 season.