Adris Deleon is expected to lead the Hawks’ attack against the Breakers. Picture: DAVE TEASE
BASKETBALL
American guard Cedric Jackson will need to be heavily marked if the Hawks are any chance of an upset win against the Breakers, Wollongong captain Oscar Forman admits.
Jackson has been a revelation since joining the NBL at the beginning of last season, anchoring New Zealand's second consecutive premiership and being appointed to the All-NBL First Team.
The 26-year-old hasn't taken a backward step in the 2012-13 season, a factor Forman said was duly noted by Hawks players and coach Gordie McLeod.
"They're a team that have got a fantastic point guard and we need to make sure that we can stop his penetration because he does get the rest of the team open," Forman said of Jackson.
"If we can stop him that does go a long way to faring well against the Breakers.
"They're just relentless - that's probably the best way to put it. They'll go to the boards every time, they're off to the races every time they get a loose ball or a rebound or anything like that. They're well drilled and they're a good defensive team.
"As long as we take care of the ball, that's the first step to breaking them."
The Hawks will be looking to guard Adris Deleon to take care of their offensive duties and lead the charge if they are to stop the Breakers juggernaut.
Jackson was up to his usual tricks during the Breakers 66-61 win over the Cairns Taipans on Monday night, contributing 17 points and six assists.
The Hawks will hold detailed video sessions in the lead-up to tomorrow's clash at the WIN Entertainment Centre, with pre-season trials their only other gauge against the table leaders.