HAWKS enforcer Michael Holyfield doesn’t typically say a lot but when you mention Friday’s trip to take on Perth at The Jungle...the big man’s eyes light up.
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Already a fan-favourite in Wollongong for his physical play inside and propensity for rim-rattling dunks, the man affectionately known as ‘Big Mike’ has been an early season standout for the Hawks after making a largely unheralded arrival from the D-League in September.
The former Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year has proven industrious on the boards in his three appearances this season but it’s been his ability to score in the low post that has come as a surprise to many.
His ability to score inside was evident in his 15 points – to go with 12 rebounds in his first NBL double-double – in Illawarra’s loss to Melbourne on Sunday. It didn’t make defeat any easier to swallow but Holyfield said he enjoyed being an offensive focal point as the Hawks struggled from the perimeter.
“I’m never ever satisfied with losing but I think the game I had on Sunday helps build confidence for me,” Holyfield said.
“At the end of the day I’ve got to play to best of my ability and try and help this team win. Yeah people may have underrated [my scoring ability] but I just like to contribute as best I can.
“The team needs me to come to here to work hard, be on the boards, rebound, block shots and just do my job. I feel like I’ve really worked hard and these guys here at the Hawks have made me better and will keep making me better. I want to continue to do that.”
After years watching their side get bullied inside, it’s not hard to see why Holyfield’s physical presence under the basket has been a welcome one for Illawarra fans. It makes the prospect of the 6 ft 11 giant throwing every one of his 118 kilograms into the inside battle at Perth Arena on Friday a mouth-watering one for the Hawks faithful.
“I’ve heard of [Perth Arena] and I’m really excited to play there on Friday,” Holyfield said.
“Whenever a team’s had bad luck [at a venue] you want to correct that and I’m a part of that team and engulfed in our culture so I’m ready to really go at Perth.
“It really does get me excited. I like the wear and tear, I like the grind inside, I like guys pushing on me. I’m that type of player I love the physicality so I think it goes well with my game.”
After watching his side get bundled out of the play-offs by a decidedly top-heavy Perth roster last season, Hawks coach Rob Beveridge is looking forward to unleashing the beast on Friday.
“There’s still some things to work on but against Melbourne and against Adelaide his energy was great. He’s getting his points and rebounds from efforts which is all I can ask,” Beveridge said.
“That’s all I want him to do, come in crash the glass. That’s what we’re going to do against Perth, tell him to to just go for it, come in get on the glass, get your points through your tip-ins and your dunks.
“I think he’s starting to identify what’s good and what works for him which is obviously good for us.”