Hoops

Brian "Elbows" Conklin to Illawarra

It is. Well said 501.

'501, I hope that's sarcasm!

AD's conspiracy seems much more likely than the alternate scenario that the Crocs were cutting their highest paid player - just within the window that they were able to do so without paying out his full contract - after hemorrhaging money and being out of finals equation.

That is some wild conspiracy theory there AD.

His output fell in season two. That's why he was cut.

Illawarra just waiting for Conklin to finish playing in France then they will announce his signing as this is what usually happens.

I very much doubt that.

To get the knob to leave.

Why were Townsville pressured by the league?

I wonder if 'reputation' is making them re-think.

Conklin hasn't signed at all.

Sounds like one of Coach Cooks' boys will be joining them, going by Boti's tweet today.

The most underwhelming MVP ever returns with his shitty attitude and pointy elbows......yay

I love the signing if it happens, just wondering how Illawarra will spin this, I don't remember them making too much noise about Gary Ervin coming back when he did for them and we are talking about league MVPs (not former as they haven't had them taken off of them).

I think AJ and Conklin could be scary but scary good or scary train wreck I can't tell yet but I'm fascinated.

They can still get Rotnei and Conger can't they ? (Forgetting monetary issues)

If Conklin is signed then that fills the void Kay left as he can play the four or five spot.I would go after Anderson as back up four or five and also resign Ellis who can also play those spots.I don't think Rotnei can naturalise for another two years.

Wasn't that the talk that if Rotnei comes back it will be as an Aussie? If not they'd need to find another cheap Aussie to possibly fill the Delvon role from last year.

If multiple journos are writing that the Hawks haven't signed Conklin not long after Olgun wrote that he is, I wonder about the respect Olgun has among his peers

"3 players
he didn't stop when he left australia"

Conklin's career highlight mix https://youtu.be/MLVSXiQeTDU

"I get it he elbowed a player"

2 players

Conklin is 2 tonnes better than Wesley

Manu, only that Tai Wesley has better defensive game, and post game and is also not an import this season. Wesley is much better value.

Conklin seems very under rated by most.

I remember a game he was absoutely beasting for the Crocs and no one in the game thread on here said a peep about it apart from me.

He is very disliked, I get it he elbowed a player but the hate seems more than what it should be?

Aussie hoopla is suggesting Jordair Jett to sign with the hawks as well.

Bevo's system just has 2 bigs and 3 guards on court, and players are interchangeable within the spots, so all this talk about "can blanch play the 2" doesnt really matter, he just plays as one of the 3 guards.

AJ, Conklin, (Import) and Ellis will fill the 2 big spots, Blanch, Rotnei, (Import), Coneraad, Naar, Martin will fill the 3 guard spots.

If they manage to lure Conger back they look strong, if they get a budget quality like Marvelle Harris type they'll beat a lot of teams but can't contend.

One of the least impressive seasons ever for an mvp winner but is still a solid pickup. The anti-AJ

Any comparisons to current or recent NBL players for his production and play style? What kind of numbers should we expect from him?

Have some respect for a former MVP guys.

Have Hawks planned to sign up Brian Conklin this year? Is Conger still apart of hawks plans this year? Tood blachfield play SG? The Hawks would be top 3 in recuiting if Rotnei clarke returns?

Hawks dream team this year
pg Martin
sg blanchfield
sf Conger
pf Conklin
c AJ

Someone get Manu some Kleenex.

Make that 2 boxes.

If Rotnei Clarke return? they just need a backup import centre

Loves a jabstep this bloke. Good face-up game. Gets the big shoulders into you and beats you to a pulp. Then he elbows your jaw.

Man I'm psyched for his return

Wait does Wesley lead the break?

Anyway Conklin does. Defensively he's good in switching down scenarios, although the league has gotten decidedly more athletic since he was here. Can play the 4 or 5. Moderate defender overall

He is a much more athletic version of Tai Wesley with a confident midrange J. Plays bully ball under the rim.

Just like Wesley he will take it up the court and lead the break. Decent rebounder.

Great touch around the rim

2014-15 season Conklin averaged 18.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, eventually earning the Andrew Gaze Trophy after being named the league's MVP

Elbows is about right, he didn't do it just once!!Although one had significantly more impact to the receiving player.

surprising somebody with his history can get a spot back in the league, but let's hope he is more mature and moves on from his previous bad instances. If back as his former MVP self it'll be a good signing and one that Illawarra need to offset the Jekyll and Hyde Ogilvy.

Elbows? More like former MVP.

I didn't get to watch too much of him back when he last played, and can't remember a huge amount (I do remember the elbow lol, winning MVP and then being sacked).

Any comparisons to current or recent NBL players for his production and play style? What kind of numbers should we expect from him?

Elbows is a 10/10 nickname

Nice one, pair him with AJ and they now have one heart beating between them.

Might struggle for rebounds unless they get a rebounding big or bring back Conger.

Lachy Reid hinted at it yesterday and someone in his replies had the name soon after. Someone here posted it was Conklin a couple of hours before this Fox story too.

Interesting pick-up. Didn't think we'd see him back in the NBL, but he is only 28 years old so has years left in him. Feisty combo with Ogilvy though!

Magicical Unicorn HAHA

Massive downgrade for the Hawks from Conger.

Sixers chairman Daryl Simmons said Maher and Davis - the only players to officially have their uniforms retired by the 36ers, Davis also with a bust at Adelaide Arena and the NBL court named after Maher - said it was hoped the two icons could pass on some inspiration to the team.

Three-time Lightning WNBL championship coach and 2006 Opals gold medal-winning world championship coach Jan Stirling also has been asked to review how the club is travelling and areas where it could improve.

The iconic SA trio have not been asked to "mentor" Sixers coach Marty Clarke, as has been reported in some media. Adelaide's focus is on breaking its losing streak, its most consistent player, Daniel Johnson confirming practice this week had been focused and energetic.