Next in Line: Allan Learning from the Best

Isaac Allan’s rise as one of the Hawks’ most promising offensive threats continues in 2026, with the young sharpshooter embracing the opportunity to refine his craft alongside veteran guard Alonzo Burton.

At the core of Allan’s game is a high-level ability to shoot the basketball. Whether it’s catch-and-shoot threes, spacing the floor in transition, or stepping into shots with confidence, he has proven he can stretch defences and punish teams that lose him on the perimeter.

At 188cm, Allan isn’t just a standstill shooter. He moves without the ball, reads defensive rotations and understands how to create separation. His shooting mechanics are repeatable, compact and consistent — traits developed through countless hours in the gym.

Big Barrel Hawks General Manager Jarrod Kenny said, “Isaac is one of, if not the best young shooter we have in Hawke’s Bay. Having Zo (Alonzo Burton) in the group is huge for Isaac. He’ll be able to see day in and day out the level of commitment it takes to be an elite shooter in our league”. Kenny added that while defence and toughness win titles, scoring remains essential. Teams that can execute offensively in big moments give themselves the best chance to win and for that you need shot makers like Allan.

Head Coach Will Lopez believes Allan’s spacing and shot-making will be critical to the Hawks’ offensive identity in 2026. “Shooting changes the geometry of the floor. When you have players who demand attention from the three-point line, it opens driving lanes, post touches and secondary actions. Isaac gives us that offensive gravity.”

For Allan, the opportunity to learn from veterans while continuing to refine his game is something he embraces. “I pride myself on my shooting. It’s something I work on every day. Being a Hawk pushes me to lift my standards. I want to be someone the team can rely on when we need a bucket.”

Allan joins Alonzo Burton and Kobe Kara in the Big Barrel Hawks 2026 team, with the season tipping off on the 11th April at Rodney Green Arenas when the team take on the Tauranga Whai.

Caption: Isaac Allan, media day shoot during the 2025 SalsNBL

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