Hawks basketballer Tyson Demos finds new career path

Playing for his beloved Illawarra Hawks has helped Demos get through some ‘’dark’’ times in his life, notably the sudden passing of his father, Kon in November 2012.

But when the 27-year-old went down with another serious knee injury early in the 2015-16 NBL season, planning for life after basketball took priority. 

‘’It was very hard at the time. It was the fourth time I’ve had a serious injury and surgery on my left knee. I was devastated,’’ Demos said.

‘’The positive thing about getting injured was it allowed me to get the ball rolling for life after basketball.’’

Having experienced his own dramas when he was younger, Demos now wants to help troubled youth get their lives back on track.

The injured Hawk is now studying a Certificate IV in Community Services at TAFE Illawarra Wollongong and as an Aboriginal man, is taking a particular interest in the cultural aspect of his studies.

‘’When I was out injured I spent a lot of time working in the Hawks’ Youth Program where I visited local high schools and spoke with students about important issues such as bullying and using sport as an avenue for social participation,’’ Demos said.

‘’The more time I spent engaging with young people and seeing the positive impact I was making, I realised it was something I really enjoyed and my passion grew from there.

‘’I want to start up a few youth programs and get out to the troubled youth and give them a bit of direction and guidance in their lives, hopefully through basketball.

‘’It [basketball] helped me when I was younger going through some hard times. Even in the last four years when dad passed away – it was a blessing in disguise having basketball because it took my mind off the pain pretty much.’’

Demos also hasn’t given up on playing again for the Hawks.

‘’I’m doing a lot of swimming and strength work to build up the muscles around the knee. The aim is to start running in the next three to four weeks,’’ he said.