Jonathan Lawton is an explosive two way guard currently playing professional basketball for the Ringwood Hawks in the NBL1 South Conference.
He has led the league in steals for consecutive seasons and finished top 10 across the league in scoring.
Learn more about Jonathan’s story here:
In 50 words or less, introduce yourself:
My name is Jonathan, currently playing for the Ringwood Hawks in the NBL1 South. I was born and raised in Williamstown, New Jersey. I attended Florida Southern College where I was named a Division II All-American, Player of the Year and Bevo Francis Award Finalist. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to play professionally in Ireland, Iceland and Australia.
Your basketball journey hasn’t always been as easy as everyone sees it to be, tell us about your journey:
I don’t even know where to begin. Growing up I’ve always had to prove myself. Being overlooked because of my height, weight, age, etc. This has had both a positive and negative impact on my journey. These lessons taught me a lot about hard work, sacrifice and what it takes to actually become a true professional.
What are some sacrifices you have had to make along the way?
The biggest has been family. Moving to the other side of the world can be challenging at times to talk to everyone from back home, I miss out on a lot of special events.
Career opportunities, personal relationships and friendship groups can also be challenging to navigate.
As a professional basketball athlete who does not currently have an agent, how did you come to find yourself in Australia?
Basketball is all about who you know. Prior to coming to Australia, my college coach Nate Champion played with the Ringwood Hawks. He put a strong word in for me and I followed up the opportunity. Now it is all about maintaining the working relationships I have created and giving back to the communities I am around such as Ringwood Hawks and the SRA Family.
What keeps bringing you back to Australia?
The culture, the people and the opportunity to grow and build a life outside of basketball.
As one of the most lethal scorers in the country, what lessons have helped shape your mindset?
Never be afraid of making a mistake. The game is full of it. Growing up I would play without confidence not because I didn’t feel like I wasn’t good enough. It was because I was afraid of what others would think and it was limiting. Once I transferred colleges I promised myself that I was going to be me and whatever comes with it I’ll accept. And that’s how I’ve gotten to the place I am now.
You often talk about the game of basketball being an art; what does this mean to you?
I look at the game just as an artist does with their masterpiece. I can decide whether to add a move, switch up my playing style, etc. Things I can control. Art shows your creative side and depicts the things you’re passionate about. Basketball is my passion and it allows me to show the world who I am and what I am about.
You first visited SRA because of a knee injury, how did this come about?
Prior to joining SRA I had suffered a pretty bad injury that left me in pain with limited mobility. I knew that the only way for me to get through this was by being proactive and finding someone reliable. I came across SRA and heard nothing but great reviews and gave it a chance. SRA exceeded all of my expectations and got me back on the court quicker than I expected. The rest is history.
What impact do you feel SRA has had on your basketball career and personal life?
SRA has given me a better understanding of where I am at in terms of my career. SRA has been there each step of the way helping me achieve the goals that I’ve set out for myself. SRA has been a key piece in my personal life by holding me accountable on and off the court, taking the time to understand me and motivating me to be my best self. SRA has been a safe space for growth.