BASKETBALL
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Too long a puzzle missing its pieces, the Illawarra Hawks squad can finally call themselves complete following the arrival of 2009 NBL MVP Kirk Penney on Tuesday.
The talented Kiwi is the last member of the Hawks' 2015-16 roster to link up with the club after spending the past five season playing in Europe.
He will join his teammates at training for the first time on Wednesday.
Gritty guard Tyson Demos also returned full-time on Tuesday after spending the off-season playing in the QBL with Mackay Meteors.
The pair should be available to travel with the squad to Cairns on Thursday to play in two trials against the Taipans.
Demos hopes it will finally give the re-shaped line-up a chance to gel.
"It will be my first hit out with everyone so it will be good to get this week of practice under my belt and have some games as well to try and start gluing as a team," he said.
"It will be good to have a hit out against an NBL team to see exactly where we are at."
Demos heads into the trials following a busy few weeks on and off the court.
He and long term partner Anthea welcomed their first child last month - a boy named Kayden.
Demos celebrated the birth by helping Mackay win the QBL title.
The Meteors wrapped up the silverware on Sunday with an 88-86 triumph in game three of the final series against Brisbane Capitals.
Demos averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the season.
"It was good to get up there and work on not only my defensive side of things but also developing the offensive side of my game and trying to get better at shooting and creating my own shot," Demos said. "I think it will suit what it going on down here this season.
"The style of game that we are going to be playing, Bevo is going to have confidence for you to make your own shot and create your own shot.
"I think it will fit well."
Demos is expected to share time in the back court with star import Kevin Lisch, floor general Rhys Martin and ex-Sydney King Kevin White.
"I think this season will be the same for me. I will bring energy off the bench, play in short spurts and try to get the team to get out of the second or third gear when I do come on," Demos said.