Hawks recruits Nick Kay and Mitch Norton make no secret about the shock they felt when the Townsville Crocodiles met their demise, but have arrived at their new club ready to hit the ground running.
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Both trained for the first time at the Snakepit this week ahead of the 2016-17 NBL campaign.
After a turbulent end to last season, Kay was keen to get started.
"I think once that all unfolded [at the Crocs] and then having the opportunity to come down here - I jumped at it,” he said.
"I only heard good things about [Rob Beveridge’s] coaching style and the way they played last year, I wanted to be a part of that building and program. I think we have put together a good team so far with good pieces to come."
Kay will help make up part of an impressive front court alongside star big-man AJ Ogilvy and forwards Cody Ellis and Oscar Forman.
Norton meanwhile is one of four guards already signed with the Hawks. Rhys Martin and Kevin White both return from last season alongside the marquee addition of former MVP NBL Rotnei Clarke.
Norton was expecting bright things from the quartet on his first day of pre-season and felt their was plenty to like about the Hawks squad as a whole.
“I am pretty excited,” he said.
“To have the four men that we do that can spread the floor like that, is going to be great for us guards who can penetrate. I haven’t played with many stretch fours, and Oscar is probably one of the best going around, so I am looking forward to it.”
Hawks coach Rob Beveridge has been in Las Vegas in the past week on the lookout for another import.
