Hawks putting in the work before a return to the nest

As NBL22 approaches, your Illawarra Hawks are busy preparing for what we hope will be a season to remember. We caught up with some of the squad this week and found out a little bit more about their off-season activities and what they've been working on as the Hawks attempt to bring a second championship to the Illawarra.

Justinian Jessup

Justinian left Wollongong at the end of last season to prepare for the NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors. Day One of the California Classic kicked off today with Jessup registering 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block playing in the Warriors 89-82 OT win over the Sacramento Kings.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justinian Jessup closed out the day at the California Classic putting up 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the <a href="https://twitter.com/warriors?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@warriors</a> OT win over Sacramento.<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@illawarrahawks</a> Next Star is looking to show his development to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DubNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DubNation</a> after being drafted in 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBLxNBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBLxNBA</a> <a href="https://t.co/oRvK0xdECQ">pic.twitter.com/oRvK0xdECQ</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1422796426522677250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Issac White

Isaac has spent the last six weeks playing for the Ipswich Force in the NBL1 North league. The sharp-shooting guard averaged 26.4ppg, 8.7rpb and 4apg on 43.8% shooting from the field in four appearances.

"Playing for Ipswich has provided me with a great opportunity to play in a competitive league, while having a significant scoring and leadership role. My team has been excellent in allowing me to play with freedom and work on expanding mu offensive game - in particular creating my own shot off the bounce," White said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another young Hawks star <a href="https://twitter.com/IsaacLewisWhite?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsaacLewisWhite</a> is going OFF as well with 56 points across his last two <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBL1</a> games. <br><br>Roll the tape for his best bits ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/3JxGpHryxd">pic.twitter.com/3JxGpHryxd</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1420292655263608837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tyler Harvey

Tyler has spent the off-season working out and relaxing in California. He'll return to Wollongong with his wife Hayley in the coming months and is looking forward to spending the next three seasons in Wollongong.

"I'm just working out, trying to get better every single day. I'm playing a lot of golf and enjoying being outdoors and in the sun. I've also been watching all these amazing athletes in the Olympic Games, it's very inspiring," Harvey said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are thrilled to announce <a href="https://twitter.com/YoungTRaaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YoungTRaaw</a> has signed a three-year deal to remain an Illawarra Hawk. <br><br>The three-point specialist averaged 20.4ppg in 2020/21 and was runner-up in the league’s MVP race.<br><br>Read the full story here - <a href="https://t.co/rqvcKGkabp">https://t.co/rqvcKGkabp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IllawarraProud?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IllawarraProud</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/HIHtH3cqKu">pic.twitter.com/HIHtH3cqKu</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1413358927232704512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

AJ Ogilvy

The Hawks captain has spent the off-season in Wollongong where he's been working out, when and where allowed, with Hawks assistant coach Shaun Roger.

"After taking a few weeks off after the season I've been getting back on the court and working out with the guys. We've been very fortunate to be able to get on the court during the lockdown period and get some individual skill work in. Definitely feel lucky to be able to get out of the house and stay active," Ogilvy said.

"I've been working on my fitness and flexibility. Trying to keep my body moving as well as possible ahead of official preseason starting. We've got a gret squad being pieced together so just putting myself in a position to be able to contribute however I can," Ogilvy said.

Harry Froling

Harry has enjoyed his time in the NBL1 North league with the Mackay Meterors, averaging 18.6ppg, 13.8rpg, and 4.4apg on 45% shooting. That includes his insane 40 point haul over the weekend where Froling shot 9/15 from beyond the arc.

"NBL1 has been good. We are second on the ladder and have been playing well but still with room for improvement, which is great heading into the finals. I've been the main facilitator and have really been working hard on my playmaking and decision making to get teammates open looks," Froling said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harry the Hamburglar went OFF over the weekend for the Mackay Meteors, with one of the Hawks key off-season signings <a href="https://twitter.com/HarryFroling?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarryFroling</a> dropping 40 points in the <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBL1</a> ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/G71bbLuWlQ">pic.twitter.com/G71bbLuWlQ</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1422796340438835203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emmett Naar

Emmett spent the first few weeks of the off-season in Tasmania with his family but has has been back on the court in the last few weeks with NBL1 South outfit - the Ballarat Miners - where he has averaged 13.6ppg and 4.33apg per contest.

"I got to visit my parents in Tasmania and have a little break there enjoying hte crisp Tasmanian air and now I've been down in Ballarat playing in the NBL1. I'm just enjoying playing games and looking to expand my game both offensively and defensively," Naar said.

Duop Reath

Duop has perhaps been the busiest of the Hawks with the club's new off-season recruit currently engaged with the Australian Boomers at the Tokyo Olympics.  

Reath will take the floor next tomorrow (Thursday) at 2:15pm when the Boomers take on the might of Team USA in the Olympic semi-finals.

Sam Froling

Sam has been plying his trade in the NBL1 North with the Townsville Heat. Froling has averaged 22.6ppg, 13.8rpg and 2.6bpg while going 53% from the field and will return to the Wollongong in the coming weeks.

"It's been a lot of fun playing up here in Townsville, the team has been playing well and we're looking strong heading into the back half of the season. I've just been trying to work on expanding my offensive skill set and knocking more shots from beyond the arc," Froling said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBL1</a> North continues in the Sunshine State and <a href="https://twitter.com/samfroling_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@samfroling_</a> is unstoppable right now.<br><br>Here’s just a few highlights from his massive performances over the weekend for <a href="https://twitter.com/TownsvilleBball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TownsvilleBball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/wfFrgE9ReT">pic.twitter.com/wfFrgE9ReT</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1420234597330083846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Daniel Grida

Dan has joined a small training group here in Wollongong with Hawks assistant coach Shaun Roger with the guys working out several times a week. 

"G'day Hawkheads. I've spent my off-season here in Wollongong and have been working on my shooting technique on the court and my strength in the gym. And also enjoying the ocean and the sun here in the Gong," Grida said

Travis Trice and Antonius Cleveland

Our new star import duo are currently based in Arizona and Texas respectively with both guys working out in preparation for the NBL season. 

"I have been grinding through the Summer months to ensure I'm ready to go when I put that Hawks uniform on at training camp. The weather is perfect here in Phoenix at the moment so I'll be ready for that Aussie heat. I've been working on my ball handling and cardio so cannot wait to see all the Hawkheads soon," Trice said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Illawarra Hawks are thrilled to announce <a href="https://twitter.com/Ttrice20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ttrice20</a> has officially signed with the club for the 2021/22 NBL season.<br><br>Trice has played in the NBA G League, NBA Summer League and is a familiar face for NBL fans.<br><br>Full story - <a href="https://t.co/s0HQ2bBxhv">https://t.co/s0HQ2bBxhv</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ETT4Xn9Gu">pic.twitter.com/0ETT4Xn9Gu</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1417696486305894403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Man it's been a whirlwind week or two. I've been busy trying to get my life in order as I prepare for the trip Down Under and my first trip outside of the States. I've been watching the Boomers at the Olympics and these guys are playing so great, coach Goorjian has them flying at the moment so I can't wait to be part of his side and meet everyone down in the Illawarra," Cleveland said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Hawks are thrilled to announce the signing of Antonius Cleveland for the 2021/22 NBL season.<br><br>Cleveland has been a mainstay in the NBA G League over the last few years and we cannot wait to welcome him to the Illawarra.<br><br>More at <a href="https://t.co/HXn92Q8B5o">https://t.co/HXn92Q8B5o</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/6vCAPSvWh9">pic.twitter.com/6vCAPSvWh9</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1422045934368673796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>