GRIDA BRINGS CHAMPIONSHIP EDGE BACK TO THE BAY

The Big Barrel Hawks are pleased to confirm the return of Australian swingman Dan Grida, bringing his energy, athleticism and winning pedigree back to Hawke’s Bay for the upcoming Sal’s NBL season.

Grida arrives in the Bay fresh off another season in Australia’s National Basketball League with the Illawarra Hawks, where he continued to establish himself as one of the competition’s most respected high effort players.

Standing 197cm and known for his relentless motor and defensive intensity, the Perth product has built a reputation as a player who impacts games through effort plays, transition scoring and physical defence.

Grida joined the Big Barrel Hawks for the 2025 Sal’s NBL season, where he quickly became one of the team’s most productive performers. Across the campaign he averaged 23.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, finishing 3rd in the league in scoring while shooting 55.7% from the field.

His ability to attack the rim, run the floor and rebound from the wing made him one of the most difficult matchups in the competition.

Big Barrel Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny said Grida’s return gives the team another proven competitor who understands what it takes to win. “Dan brings a toughness and edge that every team needs,” Kenny said. “He’s a guy that knows the importance of every possession and plays them all with energy and passion, sprinting the floor, attacking the glass and defending multiple positions”.

Following the New Zealand season, Grida returned to Australia to rejoin the Illawarra Hawks for the 2025/26 NBL season, where he continued to grow his role within the team.

His impact across the season was recognised internally by the club, with Grida taking home three team awards, Players’ Player, Most Improved Player and the Members Choice Award, highlighting the respect he earned from teammates, coaches and the Illawarra fan base.

Big Barrel Hawks Head Coach Will Lopez said Grida is a player opposing teams quickly learn to respect. “I’ve coached against Dan in the NBL and he’s the type of player you notice straight away,” Lopez said. “He plays hard every possession, defends, rebounds and makes winning plays. Those are the players that championship teams are built around, and we’re excited to have that mentality in our group.”

For Grida, returning to Hawke’s Bay was an easy decision. “I loved my time playing in the Bay,” Grida said. “The fans bring great energy and the club has a real competitive mindset. I’m excited to get back, reconnect with the team and help push for a championship”.

Grida’s ability to guard multiple positions, play above the rim and thrive in transition gives the Big Barrel Hawks another versatile piece as the roster continues to take shape for the upcoming season.

Grida now joins Alonzo Burton, Kobe Kara, Isaac Allan, Keanu Rasmussen, Clifton Bush III and Balin Casson as other rostered players signed to date for the 2026 season.

Caption: Dan Grida in action during the 2025 Sals NBL.

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