An opportunity to bring back the Illawarra name is a win for the local community, according to Hawks head coach Brian Goorjian.
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The club launched the Illawarra Proud campaign earlier this month following a corporate and community backlash over the decision to dump the name and simply call the club 'The Hawks'.
The Illawarra name will return for the upcoming NBL season - if a membership drive can secure a specific target of 4379 members for the 2021 season.
The figure refers to the foundation club being in the NBL for 43 seasons, starting in '79 (1979).
Goorjian, who was unveiled as the Boomers head coach on Friday, called on Hawks supporters to get behind the new campaign.
"I'm not politically minded, but I'm so happy because I knew it was upsetting the community. Being around the NBL as long as I have, and the club always being here throughout the course of the NBL history, it's really important to have the name back," Goorjian said.
"I think the new organisation and everybody realised that once you get out in the community. You realise that 'oh man, this is a must'. In my mind as a coach and basketball person, I hope the community gets its name back."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
