So it was inevitable that he would be involved in the Hawks' final game tonight.

Joyce spent 12 years at the Hawks, leading the club to the championship in 2001, and despite leaving two years ago for the Gold Coast Blaze, he still has trouble accepting the end of the club.

"It's sad and disappointing," he said. "I was the longest-serving coach there and still have a lot of friends in Wollongong and I can't believe this is happening.

"I don't know why they didn't put in a proposal because I think after 31 years it would have been looked at leniently.

"To be part of their last game is something I will always remember."

Joyce was coach at Wollongong for seven of his 12 years on no more than a handshake deal with then-owner John Carson.

He still wants a Hawks outfit in the NewNBL and admitted he had contacted potential saviours last week.

"What is going to happen to junior basketball in Wollongong?" he asked.

"My kids grew up there and played in the junior competitions but without the Hawks there is nowhere for them (the juniors) to go.

"A couple of people rang me last week and asked me to make some calls but with the financial situation at the moment no-one is in a place to help out."

However, the Blaze will not do the Hawks any favours at the Gold Convention Centre tonight.

Joyce holds a 4-1 record over his former assistant Eric Cooks since the Gold Coast joined the NBL last season.

The Blaze, who are set for the wooden spoon, have won their past two games in their best run of the season.

"I'm a competitor and my players will be out there to win and finish the year on a high," Joyce said. "We have been playing well and any personal feelings I have for the Hawks go out the window when we hit the court.

"We want to ruin any fairytale finish for them."

The Hawks will not lack support with several loyal fans flying to the Gold Coast this morning.