BASKETBALL
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Wollongong Hawks general manager Kim Welch has welcomed the NBL’s decision to delay the launch of the player free agency period.
Players coming off contract normally remain bound to their respective clubs for two weeks immediately following the grand final.
But the usual fortnight waiting period has been extended to April 30 to give cash-strapped Wollongong and Townsville as much time as possible to re-sign players, if and when they get themselves out of financial trouble.
Hawks players like Oscar Forman, Rhys Martin, Tyson Demos, Brad Hill and Tim Coenraad will be off-limits to rival teams, as clubs are only allowed to re-sign their own players during the free agency freeze.
‘‘It’s definitely favourable for us and the position we’re in,’’ Welch said.
‘‘It means that if we do get through this period, then we do get a chance to retain any of the guys that we want going forward.’’
Welch said he had been in regular contact with most of the players over the past fortnight and keeping them up to date about the club’s financial position.
‘‘Tim, Rhys and Oscar are out there selling sponsorship, so that’s a pretty clear indication of where they want to be and where they want the club to be going forward,’’ he said.
‘‘We are making progress, and this extension by the NBL is some good news. It’s a good sign that the NBL are keen for us to keep going.
‘‘The guys will know where they stand and we’ll know well and truly where we are as a club by April 30.’’
While the NBL wants the Hawks and Townsville to pull through, it also wants to make room for a new Brisbane club.
‘‘Delaying the start of free agency means that we allow clubs every opportunity to get their house in order, which in turn benefits players,’’ NBL interim boss Bret Mactavish said.
Forman, who has captained the Hawks for the past four years, said NBL Players Association president Jacob Holmes pushed hard for an extension.
‘‘Jacob Holmes was the one driving it, saying it’s going to be the best chance for a lot of uncertainty to be cleared,’’ Forman said.
‘‘Otherwise six teams get the jump on everyone else before anything else can possibly happen, so for the benefit of the teams and the benefit of the league and the players, it works well for everyone.
‘‘The extension will give Wollongong a chance to move through the voluntary administration process, and by all reports things are sounding positive. An extension gives that a chance to get its legs going before players have to make a decision of where they want to be.’’