NBL champs "back in a big way"

Heading into Round 8, reigning champions Illawarra were languishing in last spot on the ladder with a 2-6 record.

But after convincing back-to-back wins against competition front-runners Melbourne and then the Taipans in Cairns, it appears Justin Tatum's side have regained their mojo.

One expert who agrees is NBL commentator Damon Lowery, who won a championship with the foundation club in 2000-01.

During Monday's episode of NBL Overtime, Lowery said the Hawks are "back in a big way."

"[First and foremost], before Davo Hickey returned, those games don't count," Lowery said.

"The stats Davo has put up in the past three games are outrageous, including leading the league in blocks.

"Now the Hawks just need Jonah Bolden to get healthy and they have a legit starting five, built around the outrageous JaVale McGee and with an exciting sixth man in QJ Peterson."

Echoing his colleague is fellow NBL champion Pete Hooley, who said the Hawks' side now is 'day and night' from what fans saw through the opening few rounds.

"This Hawks team, when they're up and about and have a vibe like they had last season, play for each other and have fun while doing it," Hooley said.

"I'm really excited to see where this can go right now behind Davo Hickey as the engine room. It is no surprise that they've turned it all around [since he's returned].

"He's the head of the snake and the poise and combination he's already got with McGee [is scary].

"Credit to QJ Peterson too for finding his stroke against Cairns, because he's that spark off the bench they needed.

"This team is night and day different to the start of the season and I really love their roster construction."

Having been an import guard who came off the bench and provided a spark for the Hawks in the past, Lowery knows how valuable Peterson, who had 22 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in their last game against Cairns, can be to the reigning champions.

"He got off to a slow start in his first game but this [guy] is a dynamic guard," Lowery said.

"They had Trey Kell last season and obviously he's a different kind of scoring guard.

"But this guy [Peterson] is a high-octane, bucket-getter, that's perfect for this team."

Illawarra will look to make it three wins on the bounce when they host NSW rivals Sydney at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Sunday from 2.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and Channel 10.