Hoops

2016/17 Illawarra Hawks

Somebody stated above that everyone was a FA. One reason for that can be that the players are expecting an improvement in their salary prospects.

Lisch's primary reason for returning was family. He contacted Sydney first and was rejected. It's not unreasonable to suggest that he signed for less than his current value. Neither he nor Ogilvy or Penney would be playing for peanuts, but commentators have often quipped that Bevo spent all his money on 3 players. If you look at the lack of a 2nd import, and the calibre of the players he signed/ kept to fill out his squad, that gels with the notion that he's on a limited budget.
You'd hope that with their improved season, there's a chance at a bit more money.

3 import rule is going ahead.

Bevo turned the Kings down, and the Kings turned Lisch down, once already. What's changed in Sydney?

Also, describing a team with Lisch, Penney and Ogilvy as being on a shoestring budget is hilarious.

Lastly, if you're someone from say Cairns (definitely not naming names)...Stevie Weigh

if [Martin]'s happy to move to the bench I'd keep him

Such discussion really needs to begin with a list of who is contracted. And also need to know who might have Euro-
out clauses.
Somebody above suggested that everyone is a FA? That's diabolical if true.
Not only will they be scrambling to re-sign everyone, but a few guys will get increased PPRs.

Lisch's family reasons are obviously a strong motivator, but every team in Australia will be chasing him. They may yet decide to re-ignite their love-affair with Perth, or decide Sydney is a better local than the Gong, or MU may offer him $500k as a marquee player. :-(

Ogilvy has gotta be a chance to head back to Europe, or if he's out of contract somebody will chase him as a MP.

Penney is still an awesome player, but I suppose at some point there will be questions about how much longer he can play. Problem is that he'll be close to a 10 point player.

Weeks has certainly been the surprise-packet of the season, and is worth keeping even on increased points. But again other clubs will also be shopping for bench players.

I like Martin, he does some good stuff out there, but I'm not sure he's still up to running the point at NBL level. His loyalty discount is handy, and if he's happy to move to the bench I'd keep him, but if Brissy is offering him more money to come home, that could be it.

Demos should remain basically a free player in terms of his PPR. Worth keeping on your bench if short of cash and points. (Assuming his knee recovers.)

Davidson is nearing the end. If the 3-import rule does not come in, the stretch of a 9nth team might find a place for him on the Hawks bench, Especially if Bevo looks to spend up big on starters. But like Demos he's really only an option if they are out of points or cash.

With guys like Forman, Ellis, and Coenraad, it's going to come down to who you can get for your starting line-up, and what that leave you to spend on your bench. You don't really want to see any of those guys starting.

Not sure if this means a great deal but the two happiest teams just by body language were the Hawks and Crocs this season. Unsure if the dramas in the offseason played into that but if you're happy amongst team mates then surely that will be making it harder for players to leave.

Would anybody want to re-sign a fully fit Tyson Demod?

I can imagine that Oscar is used as a spark off the bench for the remainder of his career and he seems like someone that would make the most of that.

Weeks earned my respect in the same way that Sobey and Maynard also did through playing hard and work ethic, looking forward to seeing how all those boys develop.

Lastly, if you're someone from say Cairns (definitely not naming names) and you basically looked miserable and like a complete shambles and you see what's happened at Illawarra this season, would that make it a more attractive prospect?

If Coenraad left for Brisbane, would Stevie Weigh off the bench be good compensation (surely his asking price is much less than in Adelaide) or would a 3/4 import that can defend and rebound be a better target ?

I think Bevo is just coaching at NBL level until the end of Rio so he can get the Boomers job. He's surely next in line for the job.

Re: Bevo re-signed. Everyone on the Hawks roster is a FA at the end of the season.

Looking like the 3 import rule will come in next season, so that changes up every roster. Also likely force someone like Davidson to retire or be a temp injury replacement like Brad Hill was this season.

Lisch wants to stay, so does Penney. I don't see Forman going anywhere else. White will stay if the Hawks want him back. Weeks will get some other offers so who knows and AJ hasn't really hinted at anything either way. Rhys Martin has wanted more $ for a few seasons and could take off to Brisbane, however his wife now has a great career in radio in the Illawarra so that could play a factor. Tim's fitness career is getting some traction as well, so likely to stay. No idea with Ellis.

Damo would be a great addition if they can get him I agree. The 2 main things that could have turned semi final elimination into grand final participation this season were an upgrade at the point guard spot, and a 4 man who could have physically matched it with bigger opponents when necessary, and even the latter issue was handled pretty well by the Oscar/Cody tag team.
With a healthy squad from day 1 the Hawks could easily have finished top 2 so it's not like major changes are needed.
P.S. You're not getting Damo OMG get real!

I would LOVE Damien Martin to come over!!!
I hope the squads stays largely unchanged. Though they definitely do need a rebounder... Maybe a strong 4 man to complement AJ.

The Boomers job will be vacant, I wouldn't be putting too many eggs in the Bevo basket.

It pays to have a likeable talented coach that players would come to play for...

Any chance that Damo makes the big trip from the West? I'd prefer him in purple of course, but you'd think that this would be his last big contract, closer to 'home' and another chance to play for Bevo...

The big flag is the available cash... What exactly did the NBL do financially for them to get them into the league this season? Was it just wiping debts? It looked like the crowds came back this season, but was there enough of them? Has Spenceley exhausted his available free cash or will it have to be a budget team again next season?

FA season is always fun to follow, but I think other than the Kings, the Hawks will be my most interesting team to watch what happens... Unless Perth loses most of their free agents and they have to recruit more than their usual one or two players...

Wondering if we may see them play locally as they prepare for worlds / opals camps. I think it will be only a matter of time before erin heads east to keep in good with graf and timms. Screen will miss opals as there are canberra guards in. Summerton will have to work hard as bishop is in favour.