Hawks forward Tim Coenraad paid tribute to inspirational club captain Kevin White at the conclusion of an emotional weekend for the tenacious guard.
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White courageously suited up on Sunday afternoon against Melbourne United, less than 24 hours after his father David passed away after a long battle with illness.
His presence gave the Hawks added motivation to finish the season on a high note, according to Coenraad, as Illawarra eventually secured an uplifting 94-84 victory over United at Hisense Arena.
“A guy like Whitey pretty much stands for what the Illawarra is all about,” Coenraad said.
“He is a hard nosed guy. He is a hard worker.
“He’s had a rough season but we back him 100% to be that dog or that guy that gets us going.
“Even when he is the sixth man on the bench, waving towels and letting us know, he gives you that much more motivation. I am happy we could finish it the way we did for him and his family.
“He is the heart of this group and when the heart gets hurt, we step up. I can’t speak enough about the character and person he is.”
White missed Friday’s match against New Zealand, but chose to make the trip down to Melbourne two days later.