In 14 straight NBL matches coaching against the Sydney Kings, Illawarra coach Rob Beveridge hasn’t tasted defeat.

The Hawks’ mastermind has conquered the Kings consistently over an impressive run which stretches back to 2008.

Illawarra won all four games against Sydney in the Beveridge’s debut campaign at the club and the master coach went through 10 matches undefeated when he went head-to-head with the once great NBL club while coaching Perth Wildcats.

Beveridge’s only defeats to the Sydney came in his rookie season when he was in charge of the West Sydney Razorbacks.

He went 1-2 for the season, but holds a commanding 15-2 overall record.

Their 18^th meeting in Beveridge’s coaching career will come with added feeling on Thursday night at WIN Entertainment Centre.

In the off-season, the Kings poached Illawarra’s NBL MVP Kevin Lisch and their round two match will be the first time the club’s have faced off competitively since the move.

Beveridge discovered Lisch as an undrafted guard out of college and provided the platform for him to become one of the stars of the NBL.

He opted to depart for the Hawks’ biggest rivals.

Illawarra were quick to replace Lisch with former NBL MVP Rotnei Clarke and were soon to add more firepower with the addition of Marvelle Harris and Michael Holyfield.

Holyfield had a solid debut in Illawarra’s record-breaking 122-88 victory over the Adelaide 36ers, while Clarke and Harris were both dominant. 

Clarke had 23 points and six assists while Harris showed why Beveridge rates him so highly with a sensational all-round display of 21 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Both are expected to feature prominently again on Thursday when Illawarra host a Sydney side which is yet to win under new coach Andrew Gaze.

The Kings are hopeful of having new signing and two-time NBL champion Josh Powell fit for the encounter.

Tip-off is at 7.30pm.