Wollongong Hawks captain Oscar Forman is looking forward to continuing his love affair with the region after re-signing with the club for a further two years.
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Arguably the greatest three-point shooter in NBL history, Forman officially becomes the first player on the Wollongong roster for the 2014-15 season.
The 32-year-old has racked up four years with the Hawks and was happy to stay put.
‘‘I love living here. It’s fantastic,’’ Forman said.
‘‘It’s not just a job. It’s what we love to do. We have a good team structure, a great club and great fans, and we get good media exposure.’’
Forman’s signing comes days after the Hawks secured coach Gordie McLeod on a three-year contract.
The club has a new owner in multi-millionaire James Spenceley and a new general manager in Greg Binskin.
‘‘Now it’s about getting our team signed and us doing our part,’’ Forman said.
‘‘With the re-structure of the front office, we need to bring in more sponsors so we can continue to strive forward. It’s about bringing fans to the game so everyone knows when a Hawks game is on, everyone wants to come and everyone can afford to come.
‘‘It’s great news with James coming on board and I’m excited to be involved when the club’s on the up and some great some things are going to happen. Obviously Gordie signing a long-term deal pushed me to want to come on for a longer term. It’s not a situation where I wanted to try and jump ship.
‘‘We’ve got a good nucleus and we’ve built things over time, and if we can retain everyone it’ll be good going forward. Hopefully we’ll have more good news to announce very soon.’’
Forman has been the NBL’s top three-point marksman on five occasions during his 13-year career, including the past three seasons.
The former Adelaide 36ers and New Zealand Breakers forward has not stuck a use-by date on himself.
‘‘I don’t think about my age and my body feels fine. I still myself as coming into my prime,’’ he said.
‘‘The last year or so, I’m getting asked more ‘what’s your plan for after basketball?’ It’s good because it constantly makes me think about how I need more skills and I need something I can go to next. But in no way am I even looking at that. My stock-standard answer is that I’ll play to 40 if they let me.
‘‘I’ll be able to contribute as long as my body holds out. Especially at a stretch-four position, I still see myself as a contributor for a good few years yet.’’