Hawks chairman Richard Clifford yesterday insisted the club was committed to making a strong case for inclusion in the reconstructed format, even if it was trimmed to a proposed eight teams.

Asked if the Hawks would apply for the reported million-dollar licence to play in 2009, Clifford said: "Absolutely. The Hawks are the NBL's last foundation club still standing, and we haven't come this far to drop out now.

"The team is coming fourth, we're playing by the rules of the salary cap and we have the support of the community, media and sponsors. We deserve to be there."

Clifford's comments came on the eve of this weekend's historic vote on the reform of basketball in Australia.

Delegates from all 10 National Basketball League clubs and Basketball Australia will meet in Sydney today to vote on recommendations outlined in the recently completed independent review. Among the recommendations are basketball's unification under a new national body and a new commercial structure of the sport.

NBL communications manager Marc Howard said the outcome of the vote would have "far-reaching implications, both for the NBL and the future of basketball in Australia".

Chairman of the interim Board of Basketball David Thodey and interim chief executive officer of basketball Scott Derwin will address the media this afternoon to discuss the result of the vote and its ramifications.

Clifford said a degree of uncertainty surrounded some recommendations and would not reveal which way the Hawks would vote.

"There's a long way to go - there's a lot happening and a lot of things to discuss," he said.

"Different options are being considered by various teams in addition to the motions being put forward under the merger (between BA and the NBL).

"Financial requirements are going to be one of the greatest obstacles we have, but we firmly believe we have a strong foundation to work with and go forward."

The Hawks (6-5) do not play this weekend. They return to the court in next Friday's home game against Gold Coast.