"Got our hands full": Hawks wary of Breakers

The Illawarra Hawks head into the new Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season with a revamped roster and not having the pressure of being defending champions.

The Hawks' encouraging pre-season form, including a B+ showing at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz according to coach Justin Tatum, has them energised heading into Round 1 and determined to bounce back from a disappointing NBL26.

That all starts on Sunday when Tatum's troops head to New Zealand to face the Breakers at Spark Arena.

"New Zealand's nice, man. They got a new coach, a couple of new additions, and [Sam] Mennenga's looking to take another step in his career, as far as MVP-type calibre, playing-wise," Tatum said to the Illawarra Mercury.

"We know we will have our hands full, and they will be keen to win their game at home. We are going to do everything we can to prepare ourselves to win that game."

Milton Doyle and Kelan Martin have both impressed in the pre-season, adding to the Hawks' confidence heading into the new campaign.

"Milton is going to be a great addition, along with Kelan out there as well, who has some shot-making ability," Tatum said.

"It's just good to have multiple threats, unselfish threats on the court."

Sunday's clash between New Zealand and Illawarra tips off at 3pm AEST, live on ESPN.

‍Read the full story here >> Written off: Hawks undaunted ahead of gruelling Breakers' season-opener in NZ