That's certainly the case for rising big Sam Froling, who has had a vicarious connection to the master coach through his father, former NBL hard man Shane Froling, who played under Goorjian.

Aussie hoops great Chris Anstey - a major mentor for Froling - also reaped the rewards of time in Goorjian's camp, using the South East Melbourne Magic's 1996 championship as a springboard to the following year's NBA Draft.

Both provided glowing endorsements, prompting Froling to recommit to the Hawks despite an administration period voiding his previous contract with the club. It wasn't a bum steer.

"He might have said it means nothing to be a legend of the game but it does for sure," Froling said.

"I've heard nothing but great things. Some of the guys, Darren Berry, played for him when my dad played for Goorj. I'm really close to Darren and they both have nothing but the highest praise for him.

"Chris Anstey, who's a guy I've worked with a lot, had the highest praise for him. I knew who Goorj was and I knew I was going to get better from this and that's why I wanted to stay and play for him. Since I've been working with him he has been awesome, I can't praise him enough.

"He's been really good for me, he's really detailed so things I need to improve on, my screens, my defence, he has all the knowledge to impart in those areas I was lacking. I think over this short time period I've got so much better in the areas I really need to to take my game to the next level."

It's something he'll be looking to do after a promising start to his rookie campaign was derailed by an untimely ankle injury. He's returning fully fit after the longest off-season in recent memory, and has enjoyed his starts in the five spot during the pre-season.

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An athletic seven-footer with a rare ability to run the floor, he feels Goorjian's up tempo system is custom-made for himself and the rest of a roster built for speed.

"I'm loving it, it really suits me and my game," Froling said.

"I think the club's recruited really well, we all offer something different that other guys can't. Goorj makes sure the system suits everyone within the team. It's not just [built] for one guy, it works for everyone.

"Obviously last season I missed out on a few games but this year I'm healthy and I'm ready to go and feeling really good. Whatever opportunity gets thrown my way I'm going to grab with both hands."

The first opportunity will be for revenge over older brother Harry, after Adelaide put it over the Hawks last season. Harry switched from the 36ers to Brisbane in the off-season, presenting the chance to renew their sibling rivalry from tip-off on Saturday.

"I was talking to him on the phone yesterday so the smack talk's already started," Sam said.

"I am excited to go up against him. Dad's going to be at the game as well and he'll be cheering for whoever's winning again. Hopefully it's me this time because it wasn't last time and I need to get one back."