Illawarra Basketball Association Major Signing: Todd Blanchfield Joins NBL1 Hawks Men's Team
Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is thrilled to announce the signing of veteran forward Todd Blanchfield to the NBL1 Men's team. This significant acquisition marks the first of many signings to strengthen the squad and elevate the Men’s Program for the 2025 season.
Blanchfield, an athlete with an impressive career that includes over 400 games played in the National Basketball League, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. Known for his elite shooting ability and high basketball IQ, he has been a key contributor to multiple NBL clubs, including the Illawarra Hawks, most recently.
Blanchfield’s performance in last season’s NBL1 North competition underscores his ongoing excellence. In the 2024 NBL1 North season, he led the Mackay Meteors to a championship victory, earning Finals MVP honours. His consistent high-level play demonstrates his readiness to make an immediate impact on the Illawarra NBL1 Men's program.
Head Coach Matt Flinn expressed his excitement about the addition:
"Todd is a pro’s pro. He is a 16-year NBL vet with more years left in him at the highest level of basketball in Australia. At the NBL1 level, there is not a team in the country that wouldn’t want him as a part of their roster, and we are thrilled that he decided to play here and help us grow the NBL1 franchise in Illawarra."
"In discussions about him staying here in the gong, most of the chat was about how he can help the younger players coming through develop and how much he is looking forward to playing at the Snakepit. That in itself speaks volumes about his character within this sport. He will be a guy that will be super fun to watch play, and I, for one, can’t wait to coach him again.”
From an IBA perspective, Blanchfield's signing represents more than just an elite-level acquisition—it brings leadership, professionalism, and a championship mindset to the NBL1 Men’s team. His presence is expected to set a high standard within the squad, mentoring emerging local talent and ensuring the team is ready to compete at the highest level in 2025.
Blanchfield himself is looking forward to the opportunity:
"I'm really excited to be staying in the Illawarra and playing with the NBL1 team this season. The Snakepit has such a rich history, and it's great to be part of a program that is focused on a pathway for players aspiring to reach the professional level. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the local fans at the Pit and working with Flinny and the squad as we build towards something special. I first played in NBL1 North when I was 16, so I know how important these opportunities are for young players. Being able to help guide the next generation while also bringing a winning mentality to the group is something I’m really excited about."
IBA Head of Basketball, Ben Bagoly, also highlighted the impact of Blanchfield’s signing:
"We are delighted to have Todd and his family stay in the Illawarra during his NBL offseason. His professionalism, leadership, and experience will be a huge asset for the NBL1 players and our entire men’s senior program."
"Todd's presence in the team will provide mentorship for the younger guys coming through, reinforcing the culture and professionalism we are striving to build at IBA."
"I’d also like to thank Illawarra Hawks and Mat Campbell for their support in getting this over the line. Their support of the NBL1 program really assists us in growing our pathway for all players."
Blanchfield's signing also reinforces the growing alignment between IBA and the Illawarra Hawks, further solidifying the two organisation's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement aims to strengthen the basketball pathway from junior and senior representative basketball to the professional level, ensuring seamless development opportunities for players in the region.
Todd Blanchfield’s Impact on the Hawks’ NBL Finals Run
Blanchfield has been great in the Illawarra Hawks’ 2024/25 NBL season, helping the team into the NBL Finals. His experience, leadership, and clutch shooting have been an asset in helping steer the Hawks into postseason contention, and the Illawarra basketball community is eagerly awaiting his and the team's performance on the biggest stage.
The Hawks’ NBL Finals campaign kicks off in Wollongong at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday, 28th February at 7:30 pm.
Season Tickets Now Available – Secure Your Spot!
With Todd Blanchfield leading the charge, the Illawarra NBL1 Men's team is set for an exciting season, and fans won’t want to miss the action at The Snakepit.
🎟️ Season tickets are now on sale! Secure your spot at our NBL1 home opener on March 29th against Maitland and be part of what promises to be a thrilling campaign.
🔗 Get your season tickets here: Click Here
Stay tuned for some more big NBL1 Men signings this week.
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