The Illawarra Hawks will roll out the most experienced NBA guard to ever feature in the NBL alongside one of the brightest prospects when Aaron Brooks and LaMelo Ball team up next season.
Talk of Brooks linking with the club was muffled earlier this week when it collided with American teenager Ball's high-profile decision on Tuesday to skip college and join the small-market NBL club.
Yet the Hawks confirmed the move on Thursday, with the 645-game NBA veteran and former league most-improved set to provide serious legitimacy to the club's NBL title aspirations.
"Aaron Brooks is a bona fide NBA player who will bring tremendous experience and basketball IQ to the Hawks," general manager Mat Campbell said.
"These are exciting times for the club and we are building a roster that is going to be not just a big talking point but help deliver on court this season.
"The Hawks will be the hottest ticket in town next season."
Ball, 17, is rated as one of the best US high school basketball players and is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Brooks, 34, has enjoyed stints with the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and, most recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018.
The veteran's signing won't rival the attention received by the signature of Ball, whose outspoken father LaVar has a habit of making headlines.
But coach Matt Flinn said the latest addition shouldn't be underestimated.
"Aaron's basketball pedigree is unbelievable. For him to put his faith in our program and to continue his basketball career here with us in the Gong potentially will be something really special," he said.
"Aaron feels he has some unfinished business and it will be exciting to see how good he can be in this league."
