Lachlan Olbrich’s journey has reached a turning point as he prepares for the NBA Draft this Friday morning, Australian time. The 21-year-old standout from the Illawarra Hawks is gaining significant attention as one of the four NBL players in contention for a spot in the NBA.
Mat Campbell, the Chief Operations Officer of Illawarra, highlighted Olbrich’s determination and dedication to the sport. “He had to do it the hard way,” Campbell noted, referencing Olbrich’s pathway through the G-League camp, his selection for the elite NBA combine, and his impressive performance during the workouts. This rise is particularly remarkable given that Olbrich was ranked 86th in ESPN’s draft rankings just six months ago.
Draft experts now project that Olbrich could be picked in the mid to late second round, sharing this spotlight with fellow Next Stars Alex Toohey, Rocco Zikarsky, and Izan Almansa. His performance at the combine was marked by smart playmaking and sound decisions, which experts believe could influence NBA teams to take a chance on him.
During the recent Hungry Jack’s NBL25 season, Olbrich made an impact, averaging 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while helping the Hawks end a 24-year championship drought. This achievement reflects his growing presence in the league and his potential in the NBA.
The excitement is palpable as the first round of the NBA Draft will be live on ESPN at 10 am AEST on Thursday, June 26, with the second round to follow on Friday. The anticipation surrounding Olbrich’s name being called is high, with many rooting for his success.
Olbrich’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, illustrating that dedication and hard work can pave the way for incredible opportunities in professional sports.