For the first time in club history

For the first time in club history, the Illawarra Hawks have finished the regular season as the #1 seed, setting the stage for what could be a championship-winning campaign. After spending a record-breaking stretch atop the standings, the Hawks are now primed to make a deep Finals push, with home-court advantage secured throughout the playoffs.

 

Despite injuries limiting key imports Trey Kell and Darius Days at stages, the Hawks have been relentless. Tyler Harvey (17.9 PPG) continues to be the offensive engine, while Sam Froling (14.6 PPG, 7.3 REB) dominates inside. Darius Days (11.4 PPG, 6.6 REB) has made an instant impact off the bench as a the season progressed, and Trey Kell (17.8 PPG, 4.1 AST) has been electric and an MVP candidate all season.

 

On the defensive end, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has emerged as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, locking down opponents nightly. William Hickey (3.8 AST, 0.8 BLK and a team best +9.2 plus/minus) has been a game-changer off the bench and is in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. Meanwhile, Coach Justin Tatum has orchestrated one of the most dominant seasons in club history, putting him firmly in the conversation for Coach of the Year honors.

 

 

The Hawks' success has ignited unprecedented fan support, with seven home games surpassing 5,000+ fans this season—nearly half of all 5,000+ crowds ever recorded at the WIN Entertainment Centre in the club’s 25+ year history.

 

Offensively, this team has been a powerhouse, recording four of the top seven Hawks highest-scoring games in the 40-minute era. This scoring firepower, combined with a relentless defensive mindset, has made the Hawks a nightmare matchup for any opponent.

 

 

With their Semi-Final opponent still to be determined via the play-in games, the Hawks are locked in and ready. The goal is simple: bring home the second championship in club history, 24 years after the legendary 2000/01 title.

 

This team has rewritten history all season. Now, they have the chance to cement their legacy.

 

Finals basketball is here. Let’s fly, Hawks!