Nathan Jawai
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| Position | Center |
| Height / weight | 2.09 m / 130 kg |
| Born | 10 Oct 1986 (39 years) |
| Nationality |  Australia |
| Nickname | Baby Shaq |
Nathan Jawai is an Australian professional basketball player currently playing for the Darwin Salties in the NBL1 North. He also used to play in the National Basketball Association for teams like the Toronto Raptors, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Nathan Leon Jawai was born on October 10, 1986, in Sydney, New South Wales. He stands 209 cm tall and his weight was last listed at 130 kg. He shot right and played both power forward and center positions.His size and playing style earned him several nicknames including "Outback Shaq" and "Aussie Shaq".
High School and College Career
Jawai attended St. Augustine's College in Cairns, Queensland, before playing college basketball at Midland College (2006-2007).Professional Career
Jawai began his career with the Cairns Marlins in 2004, winning QBL and ABA championships. After a period with the Australian Institute of Sport (2005-2006), he returned to Cairns, playing for both the Marlins and Cairns Taipans.Selected 41st overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2008 NBA Draft, Jawai played in the NBA for the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves, with D-League assignments to the Idaho Stampede and Sioux Falls Skyforce.
He found significant success in Europe, particularly with Partizan Belgrade (2010-2011), where he won multiple titles including the Serbian League, Radivoj Korać Cup, and Adriatic League - earning Final Four MV.
He also played for UNICS Kazan, Barcelona - winning Copa del Rey, Galatasaray, and MoraBanc Andorra.
Returning to Australia, he won an NBL championship with the Perth Wildcats (2015-2016) before a long stint with the Cairns Taipans (2016-2022). He currently plays for the Darwin Salties.
Career Highlights
- 2016 - NBL Champion
- 2013 - Copa del Rey de Baloncesto Winner
- 2011 - Serbian League Champion
- 2011 - Radivoj Korać Cup Winner
- 2011 - Adriatic League Champion and Final Four MVP
- 2008 - NBL Rookie of the Year
- 2008 - All-NBL Second Team
- 2008 - NBL All-Star Game MVP
- 2004, 2007 - QBL Champion (2x)
- 2004, 2007 - ABA Champion (2x)
- 2007 - ABA All-Star Five
Nathan Jawai FAQ
Why is Nathan Jawai nicknamed "Outback Shaq"?
Due to his imposing size and playing style being reminiscent of Shaquille O'Neal, combined with his Australian background.
What was Jawai's greatest achievement in European basketball?
Winning multiple titles with Partizan Belgrade in 2011, including the Serbian League, Adriatic League (where he was Final Four MVP), and Radivoj Korać Cup.
How successful was Jawai in the NBL?
He won Rookie of the Year and made the All-NBL Second Team in 2008, later winning an NBL championship with the Perth Wildcats in 2016.