Harry Froling has made a miracle return to the NBL, over two years after a one-punch attack that threatened to end his basketball career.
The 27-year-old has signed with the reigning champion Illawarra Hawks, who he previously suited up for during the 2021-22 NBL season.
His deal runs for two years, the first of which being as a Nominated Replacement Player for his brother, Sam Froling, who suffered a torn achilles during last season's Grand Final Series, with the second year being a team option.
NBL one-punch victim Harry Froling makes triumphant return to championship team
The Illawarra Hawks have signed Harry Froling to a two-year deal, seeing the former NBL Rookie of the Year return to the league for the first time since suffering a one-punch attack in January, 2023.
You reckon Harry Froling has missed playing professional basketball? What a return!
— Pleb (@NBLPleb) March 16, 2025
37:08 MP | 32 PTS | 12 REB
11/20 FGM (55%)
Massive. #NZNBL #NBL pic.twitter.com/WwZlinCoT2
In a twist of irony, Froling's attack occurred in Wollongong while he was a member of the Brisbane Bullets, but the talented big man will now return to the city to re-join Justin Tatum's crew as they chase back-to-back NBL titles.
"I thought I’d be playing NBL1 six weeks later," Froling told Basketball.com last week of his condition following the attack.
"I think that’s probably why I spiralled and got as big as I did and sort of fell into depression. I was told by the top neurosurgeons, by all of them, 'You’re not playing sport again,' and that it’d be hard for me to work a job or even have a normal life.
"I get goosebumps thinking about [a return] because the NBL is a hard thing to make, 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.
"I think the sky's the limit for me… It might take a little while, 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."
Harry Froling is the NBL1 South Foot Locker Player of the Week! 👟
— NBL1 (@NBL1) June 10, 2025
Back-to-back 27-point performances, he’ll take home a $200 Foot Locker voucher 🛍️ pic.twitter.com/OOEyoU8zIg
Froling will now have that chance, as he steps in to replace his currently injured baby brother, Sam, as part of the Illawarra Hawks.
He has been dominant at the lower levels in his return to the game, averaging 19.9 points and 8.8 rebounds a game in the NZNBL for the Taranaki Airs, before an impressive stint in the NBL1 for the Melbourne Tigers.
Come September, he will officially return to the NBL.