Goorjian: Hawks in Title Mix

The Illawarra Hawks were left reeling after a disappointing NBL23 season, but former head coach and current Boomers coach Brian Goorjian believes the club is primed for a quick turnaround under Jacob Jackomas.

The Hawks finished NBL23 rooted to the bottom of the ladder with a 3-25 record, but roughly half of those losses came by ten points or less. 

Injuries to imports Justin Robinson, George King, Peyton Siva and Michael Frazier II derailed the side last season. Robinson has re-signed with the club along with co-captain Tyler Harvey, as have Next Star AJ Johnson and former NBA forward Gary Clark. All of a sudden, the future looks bright. 

“I see them top two,” Goorjian told the Illawarra Mercury. “I know it was rough last year, but I totally believe in this.

“I thought the way Jacob handled this season with keeping the team competitive, keeping the team together – the culture is strong.

“If you finish like they did last year and it’s a mess no one is coming here, [but] there’s an attraction to what’s going on here.

“Perth wanted [Mason] Peatling and he came here. The third import they’ve got (Clark), all the other teams wanted him [but] he came to the 'Gong.

“I talk to all the players. I had breakfast with Tyler (Harvey) and he said Jacob was remarkable at keeping the team together during adversity, especially as a first year head coach.”

For the full story head to >> ‘I see them top two’: Goorjian backs Illawarra Hawks to rebound after horror campaign.