Former Wollongong Hawks import Gary Ervin has signed with Ukrainian club BC Kyiv.Ervin had been mulling over the Hawks' offer for the past few months but was always hoping to secure a more lucrative European deal.The Hawks were anything but surprised that Ervin - Wollongong's first NBL MVP in 30 years last season - decided against returning.
Full coverage of the Hawks "We were well prepared for Gary moving on to bigger and better things," Hawks general manager Mili Simic said."From the get go, Gary understood our financial position as a club and it's something he respected. We stayed in contact with Gary throughout the off-season but it was clear he had some great opportunities available to him overseas, something he could not pass up."Ervin revealed his signing via Twitter yesterday."Thank god for ending this long process and now I'm taking my talent to Europe," Ervin tweeted.Simic said Ervin found it hard to turn his back on the Hawks."I had a good chat with Gary over the weekend and he's looking forward to the challenge of Europe, but he also wanted to thank everyone in Wollongong for their support," he said."He knows he had a special year here with (coach) Gordie (McLeod) and the team."McLeod has been scrutinising two potential new imports and the club is not far away from finalising the playing roster.The Hawks have nine players back from last season's side and are seeking a starting point guard and back-up centre."Gordie and the coaching staff have been going through the process of finding two new imports," Simic said."We're well progressed down that track and we hope we can make some announcements in the coming weeks."Meantime, tickets for the Hawks' annual pre-season grudge match against the Sydney Kings will be on sale from tomorrow morning.The game will be played at the Snakepit on August 28 at 4pm and tickets are limited.Prices are $5 for children, $10 for adults and $20 for a family of four."We want to see another sold-out crowd at the Snakepit," McLeod said."It's great for our members, corporate partners and fans to come and see the boys in action before we start our season in October. It's always special playing in front of a great crowd at the Pit."Phone the Hawks office on 4229 7722 for bookings.
