Froling Developing As Captain

Illawarra Hawks captain Sam Froling is not alone when experiencing “growing pains” according to coach Jacob Jackomas, as the Hawks suffered a 88-77 loss to Melbourne United on Sunday.

Illawarra’s record is 2-14 heading into the busy festive period of games which has created a tough situation for Froling to deal with as a young and developing leader of the club.

Despite the circumstances, Jackomas backed Froling in the post-game press conference on Sunday night, praising his development as captain.

“A lot of guys in his position have been through these growing pains and that’s what we’ve told him, there’s a lot of guys in this league that have gone through these growing pains,” Jackomas said.

“What we’re speaking to him more about is the last time he played a lot went his way and he was really good, now when it’s not going your way, how you carry this team.”

Froling missed several free throw shots in Sunday’s game. Despite attempting 15 shots from the charity stripe he made just five, shooting at a paltry 33 per cent. Despite his struggles at the line he was still able to record 18 points and six rebounds, and Jackomas was content at the way Froling carried himself.

“He had a solid game outside of the foul shooting where at the beginning of the year that would’ve been a non-event so there are some positives there,” he said.

“As bad as the foul shots were, he didn’t just go off and do nothing which he’s done in the past.

“He’s obviously a young guy and he’s trying to carry this franchise. We’ve got some teaching points right now with shooting and where he can go to.

“I thought he handled himself pretty well.”

Import guard Peyton Siva said the main positive the Hawks are taking away from these losses is the persistence to keep competing.

“We’re just competing, everybody is still staying locked in and not giving up on the season I think that’s the most positive thing. Guys are still fighting out there, guys are still playing well,” Siva said.

“We have a great group of guys, the positive thing is we’re in games, we’ve just got to find a way to finish them.”

The Hawks play the fifth placed Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday at 7:30pm AEDT.