'Means the world': Harry Froling is back in the NBL

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Inspirational Harry Froling's dream has come true — he is back in the NBL after overcoming a coward punch attack that nearly took his life in February 2023.

Froling, 27, has signed a two-year deal with NBL25 champions Illawarra Hawks, ESPN reports.

“I get goosebumps thinking about it because the NBL is a hard thing to make in general for you know the general public, and to come back from something like I've done, you know it's not something where it's a nine to 12 months and hey you're back. It was a bit different for me, so be it'd be cool and pretty special,” Froling told basketball.com.au in an exclusive interview last week.

“I think the sky's the limit for me… It might take a little while (when I get back) like obviously it's a shock to go back to that level and if I'm lucky enough to be back there and back out playing, I just want to contribute to winning.

“It's not about coming out and dominating, it might be a long process, it might be just playing my role for a couple years, it might be being cheer squad on the bench or whatever it is.

“I just want to get a foot in the door again and I know everything will take care of itself.

“(Getting back to the NBL) means the world.

"That's sort of what I said when I started doing this whole thing, I obviously haven't earned money for two and a half years, I haven't had an income but yeah just it's what I love.

“I love playing love hoops, love being around team environment and I guess it's shown me how quick it can be taken away so as I said I’m grateful for it.”

The centre's first year will be as a Nominated Replacement Player, ironically, for his brother Sam Froling, who torn his Achilles in the 2025 NBL Grand Final Series against Melbourne United. The second year of his contract is a team option.

The 2019 NBL Rookie of the Year spent the closing stages of the 2024-25 NBL season at the Hawks playing the role of opposition big men, such as Matt Hurt from the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Rob Loe from Melbourne United, as the Hawks prepared to win their first title since 2001.

— Additional reporting Brayden Heslehurst