White was to join California Baptist University for his final college season, but has instead returned to Australia, after an impressive junior representative career in South Australia.

The 22-year-old won the Australian under 20 national title with SA in 2017 and has since been at Stanford University

White will provide bench support to Emmett Naar and Dan Grida, with the Hawks - who dumped the Illawarra name under the new ownership - also recruiting Deng Deng, Dan Grida, Deng Adel and Sam Froling to work with new coach Brian Goorjian.

Read more: Adel Wollongong-bound as Hawks land their marquee man

"I'm pumped," White said.

"It's a big step in the right direction for me and from what I've heard about the club and what I've learnt over the years, I'm really excited.

"I feel like I can slide in and my skill set can be valuable for the Hawks.

"I have heard some really good things about the coaching staff coming in, so it was an opportunity thing.

"(Goorjian) has a history of winning and developing his guys and that is always going to be a large attraction for someone like myself."