Editorial
One. Step. Closer.
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The return of the Illawarra name to our National Basketball League club has moved a significant deal closer with the news three of the clubs sponsors have rallied together to buy 1500 memberships for the community.
It takes the club's new ownership within shooting distance of the 4379 memberships which it was set to be given the name back by the league.
Firstly, let's clear up a common misconception.
Read more: Hawks continue their unbeaten run
The NBL didn't take the name away for any legal reason surrounding the collapse of the previous owner. The league owns those rights of its franchises.
It made the decision based on some false notion that it would somehow spread the club's fan base when all it did was serve to alienate the club's most loyal supporters.
The new ownership has worked tirelessly to come up with a plan to get the name back and getting sponsors to pitch in with community memberships has been in the planning for some time.
Hawks coach Brian Goorjian sent that in a bit of a tail spin when he came out hard after a Hawks' win last week and expressed his desire to get the "Illawarra" back as soon as possible saying "it's time".
The NBL didn't much like that and while it might have upset the league, it made 110 per cent certain _ if it wasn't already _ that this community would be right at the beckon call of the man they call 'Goorj'. We are putty in his hands.
If 'Goorj' says turn up to the WEC and make a noise, you can bet your backside this community will do it. And believe us you will not want to miss that first game back at the WIN Entertainment Centre whenever it happens.
The chant of "ILL-A_WAR-RA", which is hair-raising to behold, will start early and it will be loud.
Do not miss it. It will be a moment in time which will be long remembered in local sporting history.
A time when the community fought back. A time when this community stood together for its club and its team.
The Illawarra Hawks.