THE Hawks four-year deal with Rob Beveridge came as arch-rivals the Sydney Kings were preparing a massive offer for the master coach.
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Beveridge announced the long-term agreement to stay in Wollongong at the club’s annual awards dinner on Friday night.
A huge coup for the foundation NBL club, it also denied the Kings, who have approached Beveridge to lead a major overhaul of the fallen Sydney powerhouse.
Fairfax Media understands Kings officials had spoken to Beveridge after the Hawks were knocked out of the finals race by Perth.
The Kings announced a new ownership group on Sunday, which already owners American ice hockey franchise the LA Kings and has shares in the LA Lakers.
The AEG group has announced an ambitious agenda to make the Kings a force in the NBL again and management had approached Beveridge as a major piece in their plans.
However, Beveridge’s decision to stay in the Illawarra is expected to mean NBL MVP Kevin Lisch and talented big man AJ Ogilvy will knock back lucrative offers to stay at the Hawks.
Captain Oscar Forman said Beveridge’s commitment will mean the Hawks will be an attractive option to current and prospective players.
“It just shows he believes in the program,” Forman said.
“He wants to build something, not just a quick fix.
“Maybe (the Hawks will) add a piece and some people are on low salaries and they played well (this season).
“They’ve got a decision to make for themselves, but people want to come back because of Bevo and what we’ve built.”
It is believed the Hawks are launching a world-wide search to secure an athletic big man, who can assist Ogilvy.
Beveridge’s family will move from Perth to join him in Wollongong, as the Hawks attempt to build an empire.
The Hawks finished third on the NBL ladder, losing to Perth in the best of three playoff series, less than 12 months after being in voluntary administration.
