BASKETBALL
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Illawarra coach Rob Beveridge will get a better idea of how the new-look Hawks are progressing when they meet the touring University of California team next Friday at the Snakepit.
The Hawks are expected to be without key off-season recruit Kirk Penney and rugged guard Tyson Demos for the clash with the Golden Bears, who feature highly-rated duo Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb.
Making their debut in Illawarra colours will be Kevin White, Kevin Lisch, AJ Ogilvy and Cody Ellis, while Oscar Forman, Rhys Martin and Tim Coenraad will also line up for the Hawks' first taste of pre-season action.
"It's like you're at school and you're in the classroom doing a lot of study, but now we have an exam to evaluate where we're at," Beveridge said after another sharp training session on Thursday.
"The excitement among the players is great. Everything is hunky-dory and we're all chomping at the bit, so it'll be good to get out and see how we're coming together. This isn't the final HSC exam, but it is our first test."
Penney is due from Europe early next month, while Demos will be playing for Mackay in the Queensland Basketball League finals next weekend.
If their loose and lively practice sessions are anything to go by, the Hawks have the potential to triple last season's disastrous six-win effort.
Beveridge doesn't try to mask his enthusiasm.
"That's how I've always coached - energy and positivity and getting our players to love and enjoy the game," the former Perth Wildcats and Sydney Spirit coach said.
"I've been doing this a long time now. This could be one of the best teams I've ever coached. I'm so pumped with how fast this group picks up things. I tell them once and show them something and they pick it up straight away. It shows we've got a bunch of veterans that get it."
Beveridge has assembled a deep and talented playing roster, a well-rounded balance of four guards, four forwards and two centres.
"We've got shooters, we've got defensive players, we've got bigs, we've got some veterans who know how to play, and that's what excites me," he said.
"Right now everything is positive and fresh and new, but there's no doubt we will lose games and the true test is how we can stick together and respond to it.
"I tell the guys that I want us to be a fun, entertaining team. I want people to enjoy watching us play and enjoy watching us have fun."
Tickets for next week's game are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Tip-off is at 6pm.