Angus Glover concedes this moment's been a long time coming.
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The moment, after two knee reconstructions and more than two years off the court, he will finally make his return to competitive basketball action.
The moment will come on Saturday when he lines up for the Hawks Waratah League Youth team in their clash with the Hills Hornets.
The return comes a long way from the bright lights of the Nike Hoops Summit where this journey started in March 2017.
But having endured all that he's been through during the past two years, Glover is simply looking forward to lacing up his shoes and preparing for the opening tip-off.
"It's been a long time, so it will be good to get out there," Glover said. "It's been pretty tough, there have been some moments where I felt like giving it up. I guess having all the coaching staff and teammates at the Hawks makes it easier, they see what you're going through and are there for you, as were my family.
"I'm looking forward to going out on Saturday and playing with my old mates, the guys I played all my junior basketball with. Before the NBL starts, it's good to have this time to play games.
"It's a massive achievement for me and my family, especially my dad, he's been a big part of the journey. My mum and the rest of the family have as well, but I've got to thank dad a lot."
A much-heralded junior star, Glover was expected by many to play in the NBA before he first tore his left ACL two years ago. While he has much work to do if he is to crack the NBA, the Hawks have stood by him throughout the entire period.
He is contracted with the club for the next two years, with Illawarra general manager Mat Campbell confident Glover can become a star in the NBL.
Glover remains thankful for the support the club has provided him over the past two years and now he's ready to repay the faith by producing on the basketball court.
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"It's pretty big the faith the Hawks have shown in me. I'm very happy they've done what they've done, keeping me after all I've been through.
"I've been around the NBL boys for the last two years, watching, training and I've learnt a lot without actually playing. I've improved my game and my IQ has gone to another level.
"Now I'm healthy, it's my turn to repay the Hawks and to go out and show everyone what I can do on the court."
Once he gets through Saturday's game, Glover will turn his attention to ensuring he is ready to take flight in the NBL when the season rolls around in October.
"Definitely the goal is to be ready for the NBL season. I'm all clear now, it's just about getting load in the legs and gearing up for pre-season. Then from pre-season onward, if I get through that, come October I'll be all good to go and play."
Meanwhile, the Hawks senior Waratah Lague side will host Lithgow at the Snakepit on Sunday afternoon. Illawarra will enter the match in high spirits, having defeated Dubbo 73-69 last weekend, while Lithgow fell to Shoalhaven 105-78.
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