BASKETBALL
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They didn't go all the way back to the drawing board, but the Wollongong Hawks have ploughed through a stack of homework ahead of this weekend's NBL Blitz in Brisbane.
After winning pre-season clashes against American and Chinese teams, the Hawks were brought back to earth with a nine-point loss to the Sydney Kings last Saturday at Moss Vale.
The Kings led by 22 points in the fourth quarter before the Hawks bridged the gap in the closing minutes.
Sydney did a good job of exposing the teething problems Wollongong are experiencing in their half-court offence as they adjust to life without former playmaker Rhys Martin.
The Hawks have worked hard to develop their offensive systems before flying to Brisbane for the annual pre-season tournament.
Wollongong play Adelaide on Saturday evening before facing Perth on Sunday afternoon.
"This week we've had a chance to go through our plays and try and explain to the new guys where we want to get our shots from," forward Tim Coenraad said.
"It's been a good week to clarify a few things that were unclear when we were playing the other night.
"That's what these games in the pre-season are for, to understand each other and work out how to play with one another."
Despite having two excellent import point guards in Gary Ervin and Jahii Carson, the Hawks realise they will have to go through an adjustment period before they are in sync on the court.
"With guys like Gary and Jahii, who are really good at getting to the basket, we're going to have to create opportunities for bail-outs, so that if they get in too deep and draw the defence we need to be in the right spot for them to pass the ball," Coenraad said.
"In the past it's kind of been all system, but with the athleticism of Gary and Jahii, you have to give them opportunities for assists as well, instead of just sitting back and watching them do all the work."
Coenraad doesn't mind the Hawks have drawn last season's grand finalists at the Blitz.
"Playing against Perth and Adelaide is a good test," he said. "Both those teams are different this year and they both look like they're shaping up to be good teams. It's all about just feeling each other out at this time of the season."
Aside from injured centre Larry Davidson, the Hawks will field their strongest team in Brisbane.