Martin has been Hawks coach Gordie McLeod’s first-choice point guard for the first 17 games and is almost certain to retain his spot for tomorrow night’s home clash with Melbourne.

But Ubaka hasn’t been acquired to warm the bench.

If the 25-year-old Californian doesn’t start against the Tigers, he is tipped to get the nod for Wollongong’s round 18 road meeting with the Gold Coast Blaze.

Martin insists he doesn’t feel threatened by Ubaka’s arrival and won’t sulk if he is moved to the bench.

‘‘It’s awesome having someone like Chewy [Ubaka] coming in,’’ Martin said.

‘‘The last two years I got to play against [former Hawks import guards] Gary [Ervin] and Ty [McKee], and having Chewy here will be even tougher for me because he’s one of the best point guards in the league. He’s definitely got the best handles [dribbling skills]. It can only help my game playing against him every day in practice. To me that’s the best scenario you can be in - having someone pushing you every day.

‘‘I haven’t spoken to Gordie about [coming off the bench] and I don’t know if he’s spoken to [shooting guard] Mat [Campbell] about that. We’ll do whatever what’s best for the group. Chewy will start, I’d imagine, maybe not this weekend, but he probably will start. He’s a got a great brain for the game and he’ll pick up our stuff really quick.

‘‘Gordie played Ty and I and Gary and I together, so that option’s there. We’ll do whatever’s best for the group.’’

Campbell has been starting at the two-spot for the Hawks for the past 15 years and the 35-year-old isn’t about to surrender his position without a tussle.

Asked how he would feel about coming off the bench, Wollongong’s long-serving captain said: ‘‘I haven’t thought about that.

‘‘If someone is there and is better than me at my spot and they take it off me, then they can have it. I’ve always said that.

‘‘But I’m not going to just give it to them, that’s for sure.

‘‘I’ve worked too long and too hard in my career just to step aside and let someone have an opportunity unless they’re actually proving they deserve it.’’

Ubaka was sacked by Melbourne less than two weeks ago and tomorrow’s duel with his former club will be his first in Hawks colours.

Wollongong are languishing in last place with just four wins, while their home record is a woeful 1-8.