Two down.

One to go.

It was going to be two games remaining in the NBL Blitz for the Illawarra Hawks. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 protocols, the scheduled Thursday night game against the New Zealand Breakers at the WIN Entertainment Centre had to be cancelled.

It’s clearly not an ideal situation. But it’s the correct decision taken with great care and consideration and an understanding that the health and welfare of players, coaches and staff members on both teams must take priority.

If there is a silver lining, it’s that the Hawks can now fully concentrate on what is a no-doubt marquee matchup against the Sydney Kings this Saturday night at the WEC.

Both teams have built up their squads extremely well in during the pre-season and both enter NBL22 with high expectations.

The talent level for both Sydney and Illawarra is both excellent and very deep, and while this game may not count for anything – other than a chance the Hawks may win their second NBL pre-season tournament since 2016 – this game will still be played with a great deal of intensity.

Hey, it’s Illawarra vs Sydney.

Of course, there will be some extra spice in the contest.

Is there any other way?

Illawarra Hawks president and co-owner Dorry Kordahi for one is in no doubt that fans will see a Hawks unit come out with energy and intent this Saturday against their hated rivals.

“I expect our team to come out firing, even if it is a pre-season game,” Kordahi said.

“We definitely want to set the tone for this crosstown rivalry and we’re excited to be playing in front of our home fans.”

“Every game we go into, we want to win regardless.

“I think this team has a mindset to win.

“What we’ve seen in the first two games we’ve played is exciting.

“We’ve seen our depth that a lot of people have talked about and we have a well-balanced team.”

“Given it’s the last game of the pre-season, we want to tighten up our rotations, establish a good foundation and set the tone for what the season will be.”

Based on what the Hawks have produced to date, that NBL22 season looks extremely promising for fans of the red, white and black.

As a fan, you couldn’t ask for anything better.

Going down to Melbourne in the first week of the Loggins-Bruton Cup with a new group and taking care of business against both the defending champions and a team expected to challenge for the NBL22 title was a great way to ramp up the preparation for a ballclub that many good judges believe is a serious contender this season.

And while the high-profile returnees – Tyler Harvey, Justinian Jessup and Sam Froling – have each had their moments in the opening two games, what should really excite the Illawarra faithful is the early production of the newcomers.

From Australian Olympian Duop Reath knocking down perimeter shots against Melbourne to import swingman Antonius Cleveland getting it done at both ends of the court and Xavier Rathan-Mayes showing great poise and leadership from the point – it’s already clear that this is going to be a dynamic, versatile unit that will give head coach Brian Goorjian a lot of options.

Try to go big against the Hawks and they’ll respond with the twin towers of Reath and Sam Froling backed up by a pair of near seven-footers in AJ Ogilvy and Harry Froling.

Go small and try and turn the game into a track meet, and you might be playing right into the hands of a team that is loaded with speed and perimeter firepower, with guys like Harvey, Jessup, Cleveland, Rathan-Mayes and Isaac White all relishing an opportunity to get out and run.

Indeed, this game on Saturday night will be all about extreme speed.

In their three games to date in the NBL Blitz, the Kings have shown that under new head coach Chase Buford that they are all about a high-octane transition game.

Their mantra is seemingly all about getting up shots as quickly as possible and playing extended pressure defence up and down the floor to generate multiple turnovers.

Sydney has the athletes to execute their gameplan too.

From Wollongong boys, Angus Glover and Xavier Cooks – both of whom have played very well in Sydney’s first three Blitz games – to quality import point guard Jaylen Adams and big man Matur Maker; the Kings have a bunch of guys comfortable in pushing the pace as hard as they possibly can.

It’s a great test for the Hawks; one they’ll relish with the NBL22 regular season fast approaching.

And while there’s no question this game will be an entertaining, high-quality battle, an extra treat for fans who make their way out to cheer on the boys on Saturday will be that the night will also serve as a dress rehearsal prior to the season, as Dorry Kordahi explains.

“It’s definitely going to be a full-dress rehearsal,” he said.

“On Saturday night, we’ll be showcasing our new lighting system in the stadium; we’ll have the Bearded Bakers performing out the front before the game.

“For us, it’s about building up the entertainment.

“We want to be the number one entertainment precinct in the Illawarra region.

“Yes, we are basketball, yes, we are a sport, but we want to showcase the fact that we are also all about a night of entertainment.”

“It’s going to be fun-packed, with our ‘basketball artists’ performing on the court during the game – so that’s what I really want to push moving forward, that when you come to a Hawks’ game, what you’re getting is a live show.”

In addition to an outstanding night of entertainment this Saturday night, fans who may not have signed up as a member yet can get on board as a flexi member for as little as $55.00.

Visit the merchandise stand in the northern foyer near the main doors of the WEC to sign up or click HERE for more information.

If you haven’t got your Hawks gear yet, Saturday night represents a great opportunity before the start of the NBL22 season.

You can snap up a bargain, with prices reduced by 30 per cent or more on selected items.

Visit us at the merchandise stand in the northern foyer near the main doors.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS VS SYDNEY KINGS

NBL BLITZ

WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Saturday, November 27

Tip-off 7:30pm

Tickets available HERE or at the WIN Entertainment Centre box office

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