Narkle thrives in NBL after leaving AFL for basketball
Johny Narkle, who left AFL in 2022 to pursue basketball, is posting career highs in his sophomore NBL season with Illawarra Hawks.
The decision to step away from AFL dreams and return to basketball in 2022 has worked out for 25-year-old Johny Narkle. Narkle was a development player for Illawarra Hawks last season.
Now in his second year at the top tier, he is already delivering career-high performances. In round two, he scored 15 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished two assists, and recorded more than a block and a steal.
Narkle won NBL1 West grand final MVP twice before stepping up. His assistant coach praises his defensive intensity.
He has been thrown into games against the league's most dangerous scorers, including MVP contender Kendric Davis from Sydney. 'He's got an instinctive feel for the game,' coach Joel Khalu said.
Narkle's athleticism and length make him suited for elite-level defending.
- 25 years old from Geraldton
- Age and hometown
- 15 points in round two
- Career-high scoring game
- 2023 and 2025
- Grand final MVP wins
- Illawarra Hawks
- Current team
Why it mattersIt shows that pivoting sports paths can pay off if an athlete commits fully, and gives emerging players a pathway to prove themselves at the NBL level.
AustraliaFor Australian basketball fans, it highlights local talent stepping up to the NBL and contributing immediately to a professional roster.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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