Posted on 3 July, 2021

The NBL1 Cobras have added some elite front court athleticism, signing Illawarra Hawks forward, Deng Deng.

Deng, a 6-8 ultra athletic forward, gives the Cobras a high level, versatile defensive presence, with the ability to contain guards and protect the rim at a high level thanks to his unique blend of length, agility and incredible bounce. As a member of the Illawarra Hawks this past season, Deng provided a solid impact off the bench, averaging 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and a myriad of highlight reel plays. Prior to his time with the Hawks, Deng was a member of the Sydney Kings in 2018-19, and has also enjoyed successful stints abroad in Poland, Lebanon, Finland, Qatar, and the NBA G-League with the Texas Legends.

With his unique skillset and ability to dominate games on the defensive end, Deng was a top priority for Cobras head coach, Pete Godfrey, to recruit at the conclusion of the NBL season.

“As far as our Cobra roster and the 2021 season goes, Deng was the first NBL player I targeted as a prospect to join us at the end of the NBL season,” Godfrey said.

“Deng’s skill set and length match the key gap we have to fill, and you can’t really put a value on the experience that NBL calibre athletes bring to the program and team. As a bonus Deng is arriving straight from the defensive world of Brian Goorjian, so I’m really looking forward getting on the floor with the group.”

WITH NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE @DengDeng19 #IllawarraProud #FlyAsOne pic.twitter.com/TVKInTY4yL

— Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) April 11, 2021

Godfrey has seen Deng up close and personal in the past, when Deng squared-off against Godfrey in the Big-V in 2018. In 2018, Deng was a member of the McKinnon Cougars, a team that featured Cobras point guard, Adi Tomada. With Deng and Tomada building strong chemistry in the past, Godfrey is confident that the high flyer’s transition into the Cobras system will be a seamless one – and exciting for Cobra fans.

“I coached against Deng twice in 2018 where he averaged 26 and 10 on us,” Godfrey recalled.

“Those games and those players stick with you as a coach. I think it’s fair to say with Deng arriving straight from the G-League to the Big V, we had our hands full trying to contain him.”

“Adi anchored the McKinnon back court in season 2018 so Deng will hit the ground running having played with Adi previously. I am also anticipating that Deng will provide the Kilsyth juniors and Cobra faithful with a few highlights as we resume our season.”

Deng will make his season debut on Saturday night as the Cobras play host to the Mt Gambier Pioneers.