As has been well documented, it's been a long time between drinks for the league's foundation club, who brought their sole title back to Wollongong in 2001.

Cleveland knows the Hawks' history, and understands what it would to their fans to secure a second championship. And the 6 ft 5 guard is confident that they won't have to wait much longer.

"Seeing how successful they were last year, and with the pieces they've added, winning it is the goal. I don't think the goal should be making the playoffs, because we did that already," he said.

"It's only right that our end goal is winning the championship, especially with the coach we have. I know that's my goal, and I think it's everyone's goal."

Cleveland was looking for a fresh opportunity when he was approached by Illawarra to join their roster in August.

The former Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks guard had previously had stints in the G League with Texas Legends and Oklahoma City - averaging 15 points, five rebounds and three assists per game for the latter - and had waiting for a call from NBA franchise Oklahoma City Thunder.

But when that opportunity fell through, it opened the door for a move to Australia.

"I was ready to go overseas and I wanted to play in the NBL, that was one of my first options. I had a couple of other teams reach out, but the Hawks ended up being the team that sealed the deal. After that, I started talking to coach Goorjian regularly," Cleveland said.

"I feel like I've got a point to prove, I want to come over and play my game. I know who I am as a player - and I feel like I'm damn good - so it's about taking care of myself and I'll put everyone on notice. But I wouldn't say I have a chip on my shoulder, I just want to have fun playing the game. You're going to get the best from me regardless."

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Cleveland's relationship with Brian Goorjian could be the key to unlocking his full potential in Wollongong.

The pair bonded quickly, with the Hawks and Boomers mentor not afraid to speak frankly with his star import.

"Goorj has a great reputation. I learned about who he was before signing, and just kept hearing good things about him. When I told people in Australia I'm playing for, they would say 'oh, you're playing for Goorj? He's a legend'. I heard that so much, man," Cleveland said.

"Getting over here and playing for him, you can see why - he has so much knowledge. And he knows how to get the best out of his players. I think he's so respected that when he talks, you listen. And he knows how to get to his players, which is so important in my opinion. We talk a lot, he tells me what he sees, and what I should do.

"I'm the kind of person that can really take criticism, so I definitely appreciate his honesty with me. He's been kind of brutally honest with me, up front, and I like that. I like for people to be honest with me, to tell me what I need to do and work on. I think it's a respect thing, I respect you more if you can be honest with me. And Goorj definitely can."

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While he is focused on improving his game, Cleveland is also keen to entertain the fans while in Australia.

The impact of COVID has meant the 27-year-old hasn't played in front of a crowd in more than 18 months.

"It's definitely been a long time. I'm excited about the little things like hearing the fans chant 'Defence, defence'," Cleveland said.

"My aim is to get the fans out of their seats at least once or two times every night. I think COVID has shown how important fans are, I think we that for granted. Sport is not sport without fans. I want them to feel good coming to the games and feel good leaving the game. I want to give them something to cheer about."

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