It seems like a cruel irony.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just months after the NBL decided to drop 'Illawarra' from the Hawks' name, a proposal has been floated that could see Wollongong play a key role in keeping the next season alive.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro on Thursday threw his weight behind the state government's idea of Sydney, and Wollongong, being 'NBL hubs' for teams during the 2021/21 season.
It's understood that Adelaide, Perth, Victoria and New Zealand are also being considered as potential hub options due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19.
But Barilaro said NSW was the "home of sport in Australia" and he was "absolutely open to having a conversation with the NBL". The proposal has the backing of Wollongong MP Paul Scully, who told the Mercury on Friday that it would be a great opportunity for the Illawarra.
"Wollongong has been a bit deprived of first class sport this year, we've only had two NRL matches here," Scully said.
"If there's an opportunity for Wollongong to be a hub for the NBL, and help get the basketball season going again, then I'm all for bringing more professional sport to Wollongong."
The Gold Coast Suns spent two weeks based in Wollongong in July as part of an AFL 'bubble'. Scully said that was an example of why the Illawarra was the ideal location to host NBL teams.
"I've offered my assistance to the Deputy Premier, he seems keen on having Wollongong considered by the NBL," he said.
"We've got a foundation team in the Hawks in town, but we've also got a capacity to house teams and have training facilities that would be available to them. It might not be exactly the same as they'd have at home, but it's certainly something that would allow them to participate in the competition.
"It would allow multiple teams to be in town, bringing an economic benefit as well."
In June, it was announced that Illawarra had been dumped as part of the Hawks team name as part of the club's new ownership group. New owner Dorry Kordahi later revealed that the NBL had dictated that decision.
Scully admits that he was disappointed with the name change, but said Wollongong needed to get behind the concept of being a NBL hub.
"Naming is one thing. But making sure a professional sport is alive and well, and assisting a national competition to keep going is a great opportunity for Wollongong," he said.
'If we can play a role as a hub for the NBL, then Wollongong as a population should get behind it. We can show the NBL how serious we are in making sure there's basketball in Wollongong long into the future.
"I've spoken to the new owners of the Hawks and what was more important to me was making sure there was a basketball team playing out of Wollongong and playing as many home games as possible. That's a commitment that the new owners have now given."
We can show the NBL how serious we are in making sure there's basketball in Wollongong long into the future.
- Paul Scully