On Saturday, December 23, Illawarra Hawks fans will stand as one to celebrate the career of one of their favourites.
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It’s the day Oscar Forman will celebrate his 500th career National Basketball League game in the clash against Perth at the WEC.
The Hawkheads will chant in unison “Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie”.
Not only has Oscar Forman carved out a remarkable career on the court, but he is held in the highest regard off it by fans and the league alike.
Oscar Forman is regard universally around the NBL for his on court prowess, but is respected and regarded just as much for simply being one of the best blokes in the league.
Nothing is too much trouble for Ozzie and he is always ready with a welcoming smile.
In the lead-up to the game we took Oscar, his Italian partner Gaia and their five-month old beautiful bub Olivia to Santa’s Grotto in Wollongong Central for a special front page photo shoot.
We even jokingly made up some Christmas wish lists, but it was Ozzie himself who suggested Gaia’s wish list would consist solely of “engagement ring”.
We’d say “watch this space” on that front.
We did also chuckle that Olivia’s wish list included a “pony”, “baby brother” and a “Rotnei Clarke singlet”. We’re not sure dad was as thrilled at the list we made for Olivia.
Oscar Forman will undoubtedly finish his career as one of the all-time greats of the Illawarra Hawks.
He will also be regarded as one of the best three-point shooters the league has ever seen.
Since starting his career in 2001 in Adelaide he has shown incredible durability, rarely missing games and always performing a vital role for his team.
He played in Adelaide’s 2002 championship before moving to New Zealand in 2006 and joined the Hawks in 2010 where he has remained a consistent, positive and valued member of the side and the community.
Ozzie we love that the largest part of your long career has now been as an Illawarra Hawk.
On behalf of the many Illawarra Mercury staff who have had the pleasure of working with you over that period we say thank you and congratulations.
You are indeed a superstar and a gentleman.
We will join all at the WEC to cheer “Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie”.
