What a difference a year makes

This time last year, the Illawarra Hawks were struggling. 

On October 20, 2023, they dropped to 1-4. By November 14, they were 2-7 and the club parted ways with then coach Jacob Jackomas.

It’s hard to believe this is the same team. 

On October 19, 2024, the Hawks went to 5-1 on the season. Just 12 months after hitting one of its lowest ebbs, Illawarra is one of the championship favourites, and one of the most exciting teams in the competition. 

“We wanted to make a stand at the start of the year,” Tyler Harvey said on NBL Now. 

“We wanted to get off to the right start.

“Things are flowing right now … but it’s so early and we still have so much we need to improve on. 

“While you’re doing that and still getting wins, it’s always a bonus.”

Harvey has been one of the stars in the Hawks’ winning start to NBL25, while big man Sam Froling has been just as influential. 

The Hawks are simply stacked with talent.

"We've just got so many weapons and it's hard for other teams to guard. If someone's not firing, someone else is,” Froling told The Illawarra Mercury.

"Wani [Swaka Lo Buluk] and Davo [Will Hickey] have had unbelievable games.

"I'm sure [Todd] Blanchfield and [Hyunjung] Lee are going to be due soon, and then there's [Dan] Grida and Olbrich as well.”

Add Trey Kell III and Darius Days into the mix and Illawarra’s depth is arguably only rivalled by cross-state rivals, the Sydney Kings.  

Illawarra faces one of its biggest tests of the season so far against Melbourne on Thursday night, with United coming off a loss in the Throwdown and desperate to bounce back.

"To be the best you have to beat the best and United have been one of the best teams," Froling added. 

"They did also knock us out of the semi-finals last year, so it's one we have definitely been looking forward to playing.”

The Hawks will welcome a bumper crowd at the WIN Entertainment Centre, as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the NBL standings.