Twenty years after winning the NBL's rookie of the year honours with Wollongong, David Andersen is a Hawk again.
The 37-year-old helped Melbourne United to last year's title but has headed north in a feelgood story for the historic club, which is once again known as Illawarra.
Since that debut NBL season, the forward's whirlwind basketball journey has included an NBA stint, four Olympic campaigns and a host of titles and MVP honours while playing in Italy, Russia, Spain, Turkey and France.
"David is a flat out winner everywhere he goes and is arguably the most successful of any Australian player on the world stage," Hawks coach Rob Beveridge said.
"You can't say enough about the wealth of knowledge someone like that brings to your club.
"David is going to bring so much leadership and experience to our club and I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to have him join us at the Hawks.
Anderson, who won rookie of the year honours in the 1998/99 NBL season, will partner damaging centre AJ Ogilvy.
His New South Wales return will also spice up the state's basketball derby, with star Sydney Kings signing Andrew Bogut - a long-time Boomers teammate of Andersen's - welcoming the announcement in typical fashion on Monday.
"Congrats @daveandersen13. True pro and a great story to go full circle," Bogut tweeted.
"May you enjoy many angry drives home from Sydney next season."
Australian Associated Press
