Froling Defends Jackomas as Coach

All credit should be given to Illawarra Hawks coach Jacob Jackomas for breeding an enjoyable culture at the club, despite sitting last on the ladder, according to co-captain Sam Froling.

Following their 87-60 loss to the Tamania JackJumpers, Froling praised coach Jackomas for building close relationships throughout the entire club.

Jackomas’ first season as head coach has been a tough one, with the Hawks winning just two games, but Froling admires his coaching style and acknowledges the work he puts in on a daily basis.

“Jake’s got full buy in from all of the players, we all want to be here, we all enjoy coming to the day-to-day,” Froling said.

“We’re going through tough times but Jacob, the job he has done with us...he’s taken a lot of the pressure on himself.

“He’s taken it all and handled it himself and from us as a playing group it’s so important for us and it takes so much pressure off us.

“He’s such an important leader to us and I have no doubt going forward in the future he’s going to be one of the best coaches in this league.”

Before Froling commended Jackomas, the Hawks coach welcomed the challenge coaches face, and respects that it is all part of the great league they’re in.

Illawarra were down two imports with both Michael Frazier II and Tyler Harvey on the sidelines with illness, another challenge for Jackomas on Thursday night.

“This is a challenge, as coaches we embrace challenge,” Jackomas said.

“It is tough, we do have a bunch of young guys that we’re growing together. I’m not sooking, I’m not worrying about it, I’m treating it as growth. We are going to be better than this and I’m getting good support.”

The Hawks go again on New Year’s Eve against the Perth Wildcats at 5:30pm AEDT.