BASKETBALL
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Illawarra forward Oscar Forman believes the revamped Hawks are developing a winning blend of confidence and caution as they intensify preparations for the 2015-16 NBL season.
After hiring Rob Beveridge to replace former coach Gordie McLeod two months ago, the Hawks kept five players from last year's team and signed five new players.
Last week Illawarra opened their pre-season campaign with an 11-point overtime win over the touring University of California team at the Snakepit.
On paper it is one of the strongest sides the club has ever assembled.
Forman says there is good reason to be optimistic about the Hawks' prospects in the coming season, which tips off in October.
However, the 33-year-old isn't getting carried away after one game.
"It's good to be outwardly excited and positive, but you have to be wary of getting ahead of yourselves, because we haven't accomplished anything yet," Forman said.
"All we've done is trained. Even pre-season games don't count to anything because everyone starts the season at zero-zero.
"We definitely should have an air of confidence about ourselves, knowing the style we're going to play and the people we have should make us a good side. It's good to be positive an enthusiastic, but we can't get too excited yet."
The Hawks travel to Cairns next weekend for two trials against the Taipans.
Off-season recruit Kirk Penney arrives next week and hopes to be cleared to play against the Taipans.
Illawarra take on Adelaide in a pre-season duel at Shoalhaven Basketball Stadium on September 13 before meeting Perth in a trial at Moss Vale on September 20.
The Hawks finalise preparations when they contest the NBL Blitz in Townsville from September 23-27.
Forman said last week's win over the California Golden Bears provided glimpses of his team's potential.
"It was a fantastic first hit-out for us," he said.
"We've got a new group with a new system, and we had great team cohesion.
"We played for each other, no-one got rattled or upset when things didn't go their way or didn't get the ball, or when the other team made a run.
"We were very good in our first game in terms of offensive reads. Our defensive philosophy is a bit different from last year ... The biggest thing for me was that everyone played for each other. And with Kirk coming in, we're legitimately 10-deep."