The extra "motivation" driving champs

The Illawarra Hawks are no strangers to being discounted or labelled the ‘underdogs’, despite coming into the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 as reigning champions.

So ahead of the tip-off their championship defence against Tasmania at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, coach Justin Tatum, who was named the NBL’s 2024-25 Coach of the Year, said he ‘wasn’t surprised’ by the lack of confidence in his foundation club.

"We don't want anybody on our bandwagon who doesn't see how good the Hawks are going to be towards the end of the year,” Tatum said to the Illawarra Mercury.

"We are happy that the odds are against us, similar to those they were last year; it just gives us more motivation."

Saturday night’s showdown, which will pit the past two NBL champions against one another, will be a massive night for Illawarra, as they’ll hang their second championship banner from the roof pre-game.

The Hawks, who have just returned home from finishing fifth at Singapore’s FIBA Intercontinental Cup, will then look to start their championship defence on a positive note, a prospect made more difficult with electric guard Will ‘Davo’ Hickey ruled out through injury and new additions Harry Froling and Jonah Bolden under injury clouds.

But three-time NBA Champion will make his much awaited debut in front of a capacity crowd, in what looms as a must-watch game.

"We've been hit with the health bug a bit and are just trying to get everybody in shape and on the same page - it's a difficult time at the beginning of the season, but we'll be fine," Tatum said.

"Davo is unfortunately out until further notice. We just want to make sure that Davo's is okay, his health is the most important thing."

Saturday’s fixture tips off at 8pm AEST, broadcast live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> Written off again: Why the Hawks are ready to prove NBL doubters wrong