The Wollongong Hawks have named Illawarra basketball legend Gordon McLeod as the team's new coach.McLeod, who is coaching the Wellington Saints in the New Zealand national competition, will return to his home town to guide the Hawks in the 2009-10 NBL season.The 1980 Moscow Olympian played nine seasons with the Hawks and ranks as one of the club's all-time greats.Born and bred in Wollongong, McLeod had his number 5 playing singlet retired by the Hawks in December.
What do you think of Gordie's appointment? Post a comment below SLIDESHOW: Hawks' last home game in 2009 Victoria may save day in quest for eighth NBL team Basketball is about to enter a bold new era in Australia and the decision to hire one of the region's true sporting icons as coach will be popular with Hawks fans.A former Illawarra junior star, McLeod's career has come full circle and he is relishing his return to his old stomping ground."Wollongong is home to me and my family and the role is going to be a great challenge," he said."I'm excited to be working with everyone at the club to get the Hawks heavily involved in the community and to help promote and develop basketball in the region."If there was ever the perfect opportunity to return to the club, this is it. Basketball is my life and I'm very passionate about our region. I've watched over the last three months what (club captain) Mat Campbell has done to get the community behind the team and it's something I want to be a part of."McLeod cut his teeth in the NBL coaching ranks with the West Sydney Razorbacks in 1998, steering the club to the championship series in 2004.He coached the Singapore Slingers for two seasons and was an Australian Boomers assistant coach under Brian Goorjian at the Beijing Olympics. For further coverage see Tuesday's Mercury.
