Larry Davidson

Junior career

A scholarship-holder at the Australian Institute of Sport, Davidson led New South Wales to a national title at the 2002 U20 Australian Junior Championships with an MVP performance, earning the Bob Staunton Medal.

Following the U20 tournament, Davidson moved to the United States to play college basketball for Boise State. However, he was forced to redshirt the 2002–03 season after having surgery on both knees. He returned to practice in the fall of 2003 but suffered further knee injuries that prevented him playing in 2003–04, and in November 2003, he departed Boise State.

Early years (2004–2007)

In 2004, after recovering from his rash of knee injuries, Davidson was recruited by Adrian Hurley to turn pro and join the Hunter Pirates of the National Basketball League. He played two seasons for the Pirates before the club moved to Singapore in 2006 to become the Singapore Slingers. Davidson joined the Slingers for the 2006–07 season, but departed the club in 2007 in order to return home where he joined the Wollongong Hawks.

Wollongong / Illawarra Hawks (2007–2016)

His first season with the Hawks in 2007–08 produced career-best numbers for Davidson, as he averaged 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. However, the Hawks were on the brink of capitulation after his first season with the club, and despite being saved, Davidson's second season was plagued by injury. While the Hawks survived a couple of near-misses and Davidson dealt with a string of knee problems and other injury setbacks, he became a cornerstone for the Wollongong Hawks.

Davidson led the Hawks in rebounding in 2009–10 (6.8), 2010–11 (8.0, career high) and 2012–13 (6.6). He knocked down 32 three-pointers at 45.1% in 32 games during the 2009–10 season. He later recorded five double-doubles during the 2012–13 season, including a 20-point, 15-rebound performance in a win over the Adelaide 36ers on 23 March 2013. He also earned All-NBL Third Team in 2009–10, Hawks club MVP in 2009–10, and Hawks Most Improved Player in 2007–08.

On 23 January 2014, Davidson played his 250th NBL game. Exactly a year later, he became the sixth Hawks player to notch 200 games for the club, joining Glen Saville, Mat Campbell, Chuck Harmison, Gordie McLeod and Melvin Thomas.

With the club's name change to Illawarra Hawks for the 2015–16 season, better prospects came with it. A rejuvenated roster with Kevin Lisch, Kirk Penney, Andrew Ogilvy and head coach Rob Beveridge saw the Hawks return to the semi-finals in 2016.

Davidson's last season was the 2015/16 season.

Larry Davidson is equal third most games for the Hawks 235 games played. He played in the second most successful Hawks team 2009/10 season, this Hawks team won one game of the Grand final series. Davidson was awarded Hawks MVP, MIP and Members MVP for the 2009/10 season. Highlights during his career with the Hawks include - Grand finalist - 2009/10, Semi finalist - 2012/13, 2013/14,2015/16. Davidson played 12 years in the NBL 9 of these with the Hawks.

Larry Davidson became the quintessential cult figure during his nine seasons with the Hawks. He demonstrated great loyalty and dedication to the club during difficult times. Rob Beveridge described him as a tremendous passer of the ball, could shoot the three, could play inside and out rebound much taller opponents. On the basketball court he's a really good decision maker with a great basketball mind.

The Hawks will be lucky to gain another play who can match Larry Davidson.

Personal

Davidson comes from a family with a strong sporting history. His great grandfather Herb Gilbert was a dual international, playing both Rugby League and Rugby Union for Australia. His grandfather Jack Gilbert was in the first St George team to win a premiership. His grandmother is Ray Lindwall's cousin, and his cousin Sam Gilbert plays in the Australian Football League with St Kilda.