SIX-TIME NBL championship coach Brian Goorjian says the Hawks are preparing to play games in Albury if COVID-19 forces them to abandon their Wollongong home.
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The Hawks and Sydney Kings arrived on the Border on Boxing Day due to the coronavirus issues in the NSW capital, but in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday night, the State recorded 18 locally acquired cases, one of the highest numbers for some time.
It included the diagnosis of a household contact of a Wollongong woman, who was already confirmed to have COVID.
At this stage, the Hawks are scheduled to be in Albury until at least Tuesday, January 5, prior to the club's season start, away to South East Melbourne, on January 14.
Given the ever-changing circumstances surrounding COVID, Goorjian was asked if he could see competition matches being played at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.
"Could be, could be, we're prepared for a longer stay, games here," he said candidly.
"Again, whatever's dealt to us ... I'm sure if we played a game, the community would be all over it."
Albury has previously hosted NBL matches, so the option is there should COVID intervene.
"The NBL has been very rigid, very strong with it (on COVID protocols) ... we're getting tested on a regular basis," Goorjian explained.
Whatever happens during the season, the current Australian coach says the Border visit is an advantage over other teams.
"It's definitely a bonus, I've got their (the players) full attention, I can get them any time I want."
This story first appeared in The Border Mail
