Hoops

Illawarra Hawks 2017/18

@Air Delay, Glover recently pulled out of his commitment to the Gaels. He's going to turn pro in the NBL after the upcoming Nike Hoop Summit and SEABL stint.

Since he's going to be a full-fledged free agent, can't just slot him in as a DP. He's probably giving Bevo a bit of a headache with roster spot this time and maybe even budget-wise. You better hope that rich neighbour up the highway somehow retain McDowell-White :).

"I considered an Import 3 but they already have Ceonraad who is very serviceable."

They recruited Harris as an import three and started him there for most of the season with Coenraad as his back-up.

I doubt they'll go for another import two given Clarke's talent, but an upgrade on Harris at SF, or even him just improving after his rookie season will hold them in good stead.

Agree it's important they keep Coenraad, a quality contributor even when he's not hot like he was at times in the playoffs.

I think Glover was heading to St Marys...

I think Glover was heading to St Marys...

Wonder if Hawks even made a play for Blanchfield? Or Kings swooped like they did with Lisch last year before Hawks even had a shot.

Both Coenraad and Forman gave some match winning performances last season and can still give valuable minutes and experience. They should be kept.

Hollyfield really didnt offer much other than clogging minutes in the front court. They need a big who can catch and finish in one motion, or just play small ball with Kay, Ellis or Forman in limited minutes at centre. Ogilvy is the best big in the game, he could be playing 30 plus minutes a game.

A Torrey Craig like 3 man who can help on the glass, push the ball and get to the basket would be a better fit than an undersized Marvelle Harris.

With Angus Glover now available, Hawks need to lock him up even with backcourt all under contract.

Blanchfield would have been such a perfect fit at Illawarra...

They did make the finals this year but i'm expecting the standard of the league to be even better next year.

"I take it that's a joke or not our mean the three spot. Rotnei Clarke is one of the best SGs going around."

It wasn't a joke. When I said import 2 I meant Marvelle Harris. Clarke is contracted already.

I considered an Import 3 but they already have Ceonraad who is very serviceable. But if Coenraad is happy to start from the bench, an Import 3 would be great too.

"The most obvious improvements are at the import 2 and 5."

I take it that's a joke or not our mean the three spot. Rotnei Clarke is one of the best SGs going around. But yes, a better SF and back-up C and they will have a very dangerous team.

Interesting comparison with Torrey Craig, as apart from some breakout games he had a pretty average first season, much like Marvelle Harris.

Personally, I'd like to see a Boone type player, if not him. Rebounding has been an issue for a long time, oppositions have been able to score too freely from second chances in the paint.

If Boone plays NBL it will surely be with UTD.

What about Jaron Johnson?

Great defensive energy, can hit a 3, fit as.... perfect?!?!?!

Yes?

What about Josh Boone to help out with rebouning?

Bevo must be kicking himself he let Sobey go last season.

They did make the finals this year but i'm expecting the standard of the league to be even better next year. To be content with 2 underachieving imports isn't going to get the job done. Isaac i agree, if they can get a smarter, more level headed big to replace holyfield, and more consistency to replace Harris they will be so much better. Would like to see them pick up a more athletic and defensive player to replace Harris...

Hire better imports. Simples.

All they need is an upgrade at the import three spot. A player who can defend, rebound and at least look like hitting an outside shot. Once teams worked Harris out they just backed off and he couldn't get to the rim as easily.

A player with a similar skill set to Torrey Craig would be sensational. Remember Craig was a budget import as well so they are out there for a reasonable price.

That type of player would plug so many holes and make the Hawks genuine contenders again.

While I understand Holyfield might tick a lot of boxes with his attitude it would be better to have a back up big who can catch, not travel and finish on something other than dunks. Holyfield takes so long to react once he gets the ball that even a lot of his dunk attempts are challenged and blocked.

"With that squad you wouldn't make the finals..."

Thats rather odd given they not only made the Grand Finals they had to go through the Sixers to do it.

The most obvious improvements are at the import 2 and 5.

After a good start Marvelle went quiet for the second half of the year. Had a good series against the Sixers then his two GF games were forgettable (we can understand those given his loss).

Holyfield was overall disappointing.

Improve on those positions and the Hawks can get to the GF again and not be swept.

No one ever thinks we can make the playoffs.
If I thought we could realistically afford to pay a bigger dollar import back up 5 I'd say we go for it...
But with lots of our dollars tied to Clarke & Ogilvy a big banger that can be a presence is probably the best we're going to get.

Big Mike is also outstanding with the community and kids in the region, thus why I'd be happy with him as 10th or 11th man in the rotation. He is only young too, so I see the light that he could develop in to a solid NBL 5 in couple of years.

With that squad you wouldn't make the finals...

With that squad you wouldn't make the finals...

Haha you would be happy to keep 'Big Mike', good thing you're not the GM lmao

Jacobsen would be interesting. Think Bevo was the one criticising him for cheap shots. I still wonder why 6ers would not bring him back. Was crucial this season and has massive upside.

Good call Isaac. I would LOVE McKay if we could afford him!

I think Hodgson is contracted. In place of Holyfield, they could try Jacobsen or McKay from other teams. Otherwise agree, keep mostly the same and replace two imports.

They don't appear to be rushing to keep Coenraad and Forman but IMO should keep both and focus on imports after that.

anyone see miami v north carolina ?

what a finish....