The Illawarra Hawks NBL campaign has been dealt a major blow, with scans confirming star import Aaron Brooks tore his Achilles in Sunday's loss to the Perth Wildcats.
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Brooks suffered the injury late in the third quarter, with the American limping from the court with 35 seconds left to play in the period.
The point guard will miss the remainder of the NBL season and said it was a disappointing way for his time in Wollongong to come to an end.
"As I expected, I tore my Achilles on this play," Brooks said.
"I've enjoyed my time being a Hawk... I've enjoyed all the years I've put towards this game... I gave it my all and that's all I could ever ask for."
At 34 years of age, it will be a tough road back for Brooks if he is to return to professional basketball once he recovers from the injury.
Brooks, who arrived in Wollongong as a highly-touted recruit during the winter, had been among the Hawks best during their opening seven games of the season, averaging 19.7 points a game.
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