Illawarra announced on Monday, the 27-year-old opted to take no further part in the 2015-16 NBL campaign following a meeting with coaching staff.

Demos had been in top form before persistent pain caused by bone bruising in his knee derailed his season. 

It has seen him sidelined for Illawarra’s past three matches.

“It is pretty devastating but it is in the best interests of me and also the team for me to take the time to get it right for hopefully the next season,” Demos said.

“Speaking to the doctors and physio, they are pretty confident that I am going to bounce back pretty well after it.

“I have got to see the specialist on Wednesday to get more of an idea of what the recovery time will be but I definitely still have the heart, the fire and the love for the game still. I am not ready to give it away now.”

As Demos will be a long-term injury, the club is able to replace him in the squad for the remainder of the year.

The Hawks’ current injury replacement Jarrad Weeks is one option to fill the position should he receive the appropriate clearance from the NBL.

Coach Rob Beveridge said the club would come to a decision who would take the spot in the next few days. He was devastated for Demos.

“To be honest I am gutted about it because he was one of the first players I signed in the team,” he said.

“He completely fitted into my style of game with his tough approach.

“He does so many intangibles that you can’t stat.” 

Demos had started the campaign in top form after spending the off-season playing in the QBL with Mackay.

He said he look to take a similar approach when he targets a return to the NBL for the 2016-17 season.

“I will most probably look to go away again and play ABA to start the building process again,” Demos said.