In The Post – Hawks’ season on the line: Goorjian

Catch up on all the latest headlines from around the basketball world in today’s edition of In the Post.

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Hawks playing for their season 

After two straight home defeats, Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian has put the heat on his players ahead of tonight’s vital clash with the Adelaide 36ers. 

“We're now starting to play for our season. You can't dump two at home, and there's pressure on us to make the top four. We've just got to dig deep now and get these wins as we go through our process,” Goorjian said via the Illawarra Mercury.

Finals change ahead?

Newscorp’s Matt Logue has reported the “NBL is looking to introduce an NBA-style play-in tournament for the playoffs in a bid to shake up the finals structure”.

Click here to read the full story.

Humphries to reassess during injury

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton says star centre Isaac Humphries will take time to “reassess” how he can impact the team during his three week stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.

“He’s going to miss some games and he’s a bit frustrated at different times. He’s fought through a lot and I think at this point it’s best to sit him down and reassess – to allow him to come to terms with where he’s at, how he can contribute to the group, and we’ll go from there,” Bruton said via the Adelaide Advertiser.

Phoenix find themselves in third quarter 

South East Melbourne coach Simon Mitchell says the third quarter of yesterday’s win over the Tasmania JackJumpers was an example of how the Phoenix want to play.

“I’m happy with the roster we have but we have a few issues to navigate and some form to find but we found some form in the third quarter and I was happy to get the win,” Mitchell said via The Age.

Buford lauds Cooks

Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford has heaped praise on Xavier Cooks, after his game winning performance in yesterday’s win over the Brisbane Bullets. It came after Cooks was ejected from Friday night’s loss to Brisbane.

“He was fired up obviously. He was frustrated how the other night went, it was a tough break to have him gone. I think he came out and rectified it and redeemed himself a bit tonight. It was terrific to see him out there,” Buford said via the Sydney Morning Herald.

Wildcats to dig deeper

Despite being stuck on the road for an unknown amount of time, Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison says the club will still fight tooth and nail for victories.

“It’s OK for us to be angry or annoyed at the situation that we can’t control. It doesn’t mean we’re not going to give our best effort every night and try to win every game,” Morrison said via the West Australian.

Bogut supporting Landale

San Antonio Spurs forward Jock Landale is receiving plenty of support in his rookie NBA season, mainly from Andrew Bogut and Mike Procopio, a former video scout for Kobe Bryant.

“Both Bogues and Mike have been massive in reaching out after every single game - that is just a guarantee,” Landale said via Newscorp.