Illawarra Hawks guard Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is in the midst of his most productive NBL campaign to date, yet the 24-year-old talent feels a crucial piece is still absent from his game.
Numbers Up, But Rollercoaster Ride Continues
This season, Lo Buluk is posting personal best averages of eight points, 2.7 rebounds, and an assist across 24 minutes per contest. Despite the statistical leap, he openly acknowledges that his performances have mirrored the team's turbulent season.
"I know I've had a couple of good games like that, but I feel like at the same time, our season has been such a rollercoaster that even my play has been up and down ... it hasn't been consistent," Lo Buluk admitted.
He finds meaning in reaching new benchmarks but notes that without steady output, the achievement feels incomplete. "Achieving these career highs and stuff is obviously meaningful, but not doing it consistently brings you back down in a way," he said.
Mindset Shift Key to Unlocking Potential
For the four-time NBL champion, known as a defensive stalwart at Perth, Sydney, and now Illawarra, the focus has shifted inward. While he still prides himself on being a defensive catalyst, he identifies his mentality as the primary area for growth.
"I do hang my hat on the defensive end because I feel like that's always been my calling card," Lo Buluk stated. "But obviously we all have areas that we need to work on and I think my area would just be my mindset."
He credits meetings with the coaching staff, who have demanded more from him, for fostering a more aggressive approach. This renewed focus, coupled with improved attention to recovery and diet, is aimed at sustaining his impact on both ends of the court.
Personal Success Overshadowed by Team Struggles
The Hawks' position on the ladder adds a layer of frustration. With an 8-13 record placing them seventh, and trailing the sixth-placed Tasmania by three wins, individual accolades ring hollow for Lo Buluk when they come in defeat.
"We're not winning, so when I've had these career highs, it's often during a loss," he explained. The season has been a stark contrast to the championship run of the previous year, creating a lingering hangover effect.
However, belief within the squad persists. With key players like Sam Froling returning from injury and Tyler Harvey back at full strength, Lo Buluk senses an opportunity for a late-season surge. He is determined to elevate his game consistently to be part of that push.
"If there's times where we need more in certain areas, then that's where I've got to be able to take that next step to help the team win," Lo Buluk affirmed, ready to translate his career-best numbers into crucial victories for the Illawarra faithful.
