Goorjian to chalk up 50th game as Hawks coach

Brian Goorjian, arguably the greatest coach the NBL has seen, will chalk up another milestone when his Illawarra Hawks take on the New Zealand Breakers.

Six-time NBL champion Goorjian, who brought up his 800th appearance this season, will coach the Hawks for the 50th time on Wednesday at MyState Bank Arena.

“I’ve experienced a lot during my time in the sport but without a doubt, the past 50 games have been the most challenging, due to COVID-19 and trying to bring a new group together - it’s something I’ll never forget,” Goorjian said.

“Essentially starting a franchise from ground zero and building something up with long-term stability has been enjoyable - especially now you can see the direction this is headed.

“Making the finals in our first year was an accomplishment in itself and now we’ve been able to put an even stronger team on the court for the Illawarra community.

“I’m super proud of everything we’ve overcome as an organisation during that time, with the challenges bringing us closer and creating lots of positives within the community - I’m excited about the future."

During his stint with the foundation club, Goorjian has recorded 27 wins and 22 losses.

Although this round 10 NBL22 fixture will be the first time Goorjian has played in Hobart during his Hawks tenure, he does have an affinity to the arena.

He was the final coach to win a game against the Hobart Devils in Tasmania in their last NBL match back in September 1996 when his South East Melbourne Magic won 101-79 on that very floor.  

Goorjian has also won his last seven games as coach in Hobart after losing his only game in August 1989 when he was in charge of the Eastside Spectres.

Tip-off for the match, which can be viewed on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel, is at 7.30pm AEDT.