Hawks legend Gordie McLeod backs Jackomas to stand tall after replacing Brian Goorjian

The long-time assistant will replace his mentor after Goorjian stood down on Wednesday.

Uncertainty has surrounded Goorjian's future in recent weeks, with the veteran making a final decision following Illawarra's semi-final loss to the Kings on Sunday.

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"The plan was always for Jacob to succeed me at the Hawks and the club, thanks to the excellent staff and owners, is in an extremely strong position - which is really exciting for all involved," Goorjian said.

"The strides this organisation has made in the Illawarra community over the past two seasons have been incredible and I'm excited to see what Jacob, the returning players, owners and staff can do in the coming years."

Goorjian has been approached by international clubs, while he remains committed to coaching the Boomers at the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics. He will remain with the Hawks in an advisory role.

The veteran joined the club at their lowest moment and led the team to two successive semi-finals.

Hawks legend Gordon McLeod worked with Goorjian at the 2008 Olympics and said the region should be forever grateful for his role in helping save the team.

"Two years in a row they were a bee's d--- away from getting another championship for the Gong," McLeod said. "I know Brian will take it very hard, because he was there to win a championship.

"He and the ownership should be proud. It's been great all the things that have happened. To have them come in, set it up and be back in with a chance to win a championship in that short period is unbelievable."

Jackomas has worked with Goorjian for more than a decade, in the NBL and in China before returning to Australia to work with his mentor at the Hawks.

The understudy has long been seen as the future of the club, with Goorjian frequently touting Jackomas' coaching credentials.

He also received an early taste of head coaching when he stepped into the role for Illawarra's clash with Melbourne United when Goorjian caught COVID in March.

Having served his apprenticeship, Jackomas is confident now is the right time to step into his mentor's shoes.

"Everyone here has been extremely lucky to work with and learn from Brian over the past two seasons and my coaching staff's mission is to build on that moving forward," Jackomas said.

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity presented to me because it's always been a dream of mine to coach at the highest level and the NBL is one of the top leagues around the world."

Jackomas steps into his new role amid wider upheaval at the Illawarra Hawks, with president Dorry Kordahi recently standing down.

That leaves Jackomas in a tricky position, the coach expected to deliver immediate results on the court despite the off-court uncertainty.

It's a position that the Hawks have found themselves in numerous times, however McLeod backed Jackomas to enjoy instant success.

"The club has shown a lot of faith in giving him that shot," McLeod said.

"It's exciting for Jacob and after making the semi-finals two years in a row, with a few tweaks hopefully they can go even further."

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