Hawks Search Winning Feeling

Thursday, January 19, 2023

If any team is deserving of a win, it’s the Illawarra Hawks.

They’ve been smashed from pillar to post - injuries to key stars, a first-year coach, an inexperienced roster and just two wins from 23 games. But through it all, they’ve kept fighting.

Every game the Hawks have taken it to the league’s best. Surely, surely, a win is just around the corner for Jacob Jackomas and his team.

"A win is coming, I know it is coming,” Sam Froling told The Illawarra Mercury.

The next challenge comes against New Zealand on Thursday night in enemy territory.

After three straight losses, the Breakers are facing adversity of their own, but Coach of the Year candidate Mody Maor is sure to have his team up and about in front of a big home crowd.

"Along with Tassie, the Breakers are one of the hardest playing teams in the league," Froling said.

"We have got to come out and match their effort and energy and play just as hard and them … just clean up some of the execution stuff and finish some plays off and we should be alright.

"I have no question we will be right in it - it is just a question of if we can get over that hump and pick up a win.”

One player who’s been key to the Hawks’ recent run of good form, albeit without tasting victory, has been Tyler Harvey.

The star guard has been a picture of consistency in recent weeks, averaging 23.3 points across the past six games.

Harvey has been part of successful Hawks teams in previous seasons, and knows the tide will turn.

'It's been tough but like I always say the storm will end. It always eventually ends," he said.

"We just have to make sure we are giving ourselves the best chance to win these games, which we've been doing. I think 12 of our losses have been by single digits.

"The ball is just not bouncing our way right now, but I really do feel like our time is coming.

"I feel like we've attacked each day the right way and I think we are going to get rewarded for that.”

Read the full story here >> Morale high as Illawarra Hawks chase elusive third NBL win