Asuncion-Byrd to take flight for Hawks

Ringwood Hawks secret weapon CJ Asuncion-Byrd has had to wait 14 months to make his long awaited debut for the Hawks but the 6’3 super athletic guard will definitely be must see TV and will have an impact on the NBL1 this year.

Despite living in Greenwich, Connecticut for most of his life, Asuncion-Byrd was in fact born in Queensland and lived there until he was six-years-old and has an Australian passport. His parents moved to the USA where he fell in love with the game of basketball and after graduating from Lemoyne College was excited to get a call from Hawks Mentor Ken Harrington who signed him for the 2020 season.

Last year would be a test of patience for the newest Hawk who after shortly arriving in Ringwood was locked down due to the pandemic. As the year progressed though, Asuncion-Byrd was able to start attending Melbourne United training sessions and due to injuries and illness was called up to their playing roster for their game against the Illawarra Hawks. Despite not hitting the court in his NBL debut, the experience has given Asuncion-Byrd greater incentive to shine in NBL1 and hopefully sign an NBL contract for next season.

“I am prepared to work hard and earn everything I get,” Asuncion-Byrd said.

“But my immediate focus is to get the Hawks in to the NBL1 Finals and then a shot at the Championship.”

For the Hawks' part, they can look forward to not just above the rim dunks and blocks but also a 40 percent three point shooter and excellent passer who is happy for fill any role his team needs on a given night.

Whilst his highlight plays will fill the social media channels around the country in 2021, Asuncion-Byrd is also well regarded as a quality defensive player which is an area the Hawks are hoping to improve on in 2021.

Hawks coach Ken Harrington had this to say about his secret weapon that the hopes will give his team some X factor this season.

“He is also a great guy, very respectful and will be incredibly popular with kids and teammates. I cannot wait till he finally hits the court for us in a NBL1 game,” Harrington said.