Hoops

Is Matt Flinn up to it?

I don't blame Flynn solely for the Hawk's situation, although as the coach he would be the first to fall on his sword.

Ball is maturing, it takes time, I didn't think he would come in and be MVP, he is doing OK, his skillset is much higher than any 18 year old we see in the league.

The team balance is off. They need to get rid of Boone or DA in favour of a PF, probably Boone as import 4's are easier to find. I was hoping Blanchfield could do some of that but it seems no.

Hawks aren't too far off I think.

The crowd at the game was disappointing, but surely plenty of that responsibility falls on the NBL for giving the Hawks another shitty Monday night game? I mean come on.

2600 on a Monday night in Wollongong probably not bad result due to a massive family area. When they get a decent weekend time hopefully it will fill up.

Citation on Ball's contract having a minutes stipulation?

Its almost as if giving undeserved game time to a young player who isn't ready and will be long gone by the time he is ready isn't the best way to build a team the local fanbase can get behind.

Strange.

Didn't coach tell Brooks that he needed to score 40 for Illawarra to win last night? That's a gameplan!

"... every three point shot Ball has taken has been under pressure..."

That is so laughably untrue.

The people of Illawarra have well and truly proven they can't support a team. A potential future lottery pick and one of the biggest names in NBL history and they still can't get 5.5K to games. It can't be blamed on their marketing budget as Ball (and to a degree Brooks) sell themselves. Less than 1% of the Illawarra turns up to games. Not a good look going forward.

I actually agree Alphonso, it does feel like Flinn and his lack of experience is detrimental for the league. Simon Mitchell looks a vastly superior coach right now. It truly is a shame that All these eyes are on Illawarra without Geordie or Bevo... but if Ball went to Cairns when Fearne was coach, then we'd be writing about how much of a disgrace/embarrassment it is that Ball has to put up with playing under that defensive system.

It feels like roles for the squad haven't been selected still and whilst that makes the team fresh and interesting as you never know who will play, it's making them look very amateur. If they can stop fouling they'd look better also.

Ball can play but imo he’s playing safe, not going to get hurt. Unless it’s an open lay up he throws up floaters instead crashing into defenders.

I don’t see any any set plays either except run and gun and selfishness from the team, that’s on the coach. Why sign Anderson, not playing anyway. To many guards, no quality four man.

Assistant coach at SEM.

He has to play Ball his contracted minutes.

Ball is a liability offensively outside a layup. Once the hawks can’t make the playoffs he’ll leave. Tough spot for Flynn, but having brought brooks off the bench is laughable.

He's in a tough situation. He has to play Ball his contracted minutes.

But the team isn't going to win with Ball playing those minutes.

It's great for publicity. It's great for ball. But it's not great for wins.

Hawks are just making up the numbers this season.

For as talented and exciting and entertaining as Ball is, it's a shame the hawks will not reach their full potential.

Their team has a decent amount of talent to compete.

He’s got pick his best 8-9 players and stop giving time to end bench guys. Dech plays D but never gets on.

Bevo quit despite being under contract for this season probably don't have the budget so looked down the bench at Flinn & Cooks and Cooks has already had a shot.

Did anyone else see Hawks roll out the shuffle tonight???