Hawks back-up Daniel Jackson in a recovery session yesterday.
Hawks forwards Dave Gruber and Dan Jackson with guard Tyson Demos. Pictures: ADAM McLEAN
NBL
As much as Wollongong fans were raving about Dave Gruber's display against Townsville, forward Dan Jackson was the other name on everybody's lips.
Jackson's first five years with the Hawks were not filled with highlights but his hard work is starting to pay off.
The 24-year-old has barely put a foot wrong in the first three games and emerged as a very capable back-up to starter Glen Saville.
He played 13 minutes off the bench in the comprehensive victory over the Crocodiles, tallying five points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.
Asked if he had a different mental approach compared to past seasons, Jackson said: "The main thing is just confidence. You can train as much as you want, but until you get out on the floor a little bit, it's just a different world. After playing pretty well in pre-season and playing a fair bit, it just gave me the confidence to make some plays on the floor and make sure I'm helping the team every night."
While Jackson understands he is not about to steal Saville's starting spot, he knows he has an important role to play.
"Sav's still our guy in the three-spot but whenever he needs a break and I get on there, I'm trying to bring some energy and something different to the group to make sure there's no let-up when he's on the bench," the former Australian under 19 rep said.
"As a bench, you try and lift the group and bring some energy, and Grubes [Gruber] really set the tone with that on Sunday. The rest of us just fed off that and we had guys making plays. Adris [Deleon] was making plays and getting everyone open shots, so it's easy to look good when all you have to do is knock down open shots."