Set a formidable challenge, the NBL Blitz trophy proved to be out of reach for the Illawarra Hawks.
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Under the pre-season system, the Hawks needed to not only beat Melbourne United, but also pick up the bonus points of winning three of the four quarters to edge out Adelaide United, who had set the benchmark with a convincing 108-90 victory over Perth.
The Hawks dropped the first quarter against reigning NBL champions and from there, the need for pre-season perfection became largely irrelevant.
In the end, the Hawks went down 88-82.
But there is much to like about Illawarra’s public showing at Ballarat.
As usual, they’re written off, heading into the campaign ahead.
A bunch of veterans, journeymen and unknown quantities, taking on the high profile stars in rival teams, as basketball rides a wave of exposure and popularity in Australia.
But it was former Hawks player Adris Deleon, with the imposing ‘too hard to guard’ nickname, who inspired the 36ers Blitz triumph, finishing with 23 points against the Wildcats.
Former Hawks star Nick Kay had 13 points for the Wildcats. The Hawks had still made their statement of intent, with a 104-90 victory over New Zealand and a dominant 91-69 success against Brisbane.
In defeat on Sunday, US College import Emmett Naar showed his immense potential with 17 points and six assists and Todd Blanchfield 12 points and eight rebounds.
Chris Goulding led the way for Melbourne with 20 points and six rebounds, shooting 7/14 from the floor.
Dave Barlow was impressive too with 18 points, three rebounds and three assists, so too DJ Kennedy with 15 points, seven boards and six assists.
Craig Moller added 13 points and six rebounds, and Mitch McCarron 11 points, seven assists and six boards.
Brian Conklin stood out for the Hawks, drawing 15 fouls on him on his way to 17 points on 11/16 shooting from the free throw line.
Five NBL teams – Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and New Zealand - will now travel to the US to play in the NBA preseason starting with Melbourne United taking on Ben Simmons’ Philadelphia 76ers next Saturday. In the meantime, the Hawks will prepare to meet Melbourne again in their first game of the new NBL season, at home on Friday, October 12.
NBL
Round one
Friday, October 12
ILLAWARRA HAWKS v MELBOURNE UNITED
WIN Entertainment Centre
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
