Hawks set to fly in NBL Blitz

The Illawarra Hawks’ preparations for the NBL season will be ramped up on Monday, November 15, when they open their Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz campaign against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The Hawks will play four Blitz games across a two-week period this month as Brian Goorjian finetunes his squad ahead of the season opener on December 4 against the Phoenix.

Illawarra will play two games at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) and two in front of the Hawks faithful at the WIN Entertainment Centre. All the games will be streamed on Kayo Freebies.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS NBL BLITZ SCHEDULE

Monday November 15

Illawarra Hawks v South East Melbourne Phoenix

MSAC, 5:30pm AEDT

Saturday November 20

Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks

MSAC, 7:30pm AEDT

Thursday November 25

Illawarra Hawks v New Zealand Breakers

WIN Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm AEDT

Saturday November 27

Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings

WIN Entertainment Centre, 7:30pm AEDT

“We can’t wait to hit the court again in the NBL Blitz,” Goorjian said.

“The boys have looked sharp at training, but nothing can replicate going to battle against opposing teams. The four Blitz games will provide a perfect platform for us to prepare the group for the season opener.”

New signings Antonius Cleveland, Duop Reath, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Harry Froling will don Hawks colours for the first time during the Blitz.

Illawarra will see plenty of new faces during the Blitz including Matthew Dellavedova (Melbourne), Zhou Qi (South East Melbourne), Peyton Siva (New Zealand) and Jaylen Adams (Sydney).

The Blitz winner will be awarded the Loggins-Bruton Cup, while the tournament’s most outstanding player will win the Ray Borner Medal.

All games are worth a maximum of 7 points; 3 points are awarded to the winning team, with an additional point awarded to the side that wins each quarter. In the event a quarter is tied, both teams receive half of a point. If a game goes into overtime, no additional points are awarded.

Tickets on sale soon via Ticketmaster. Hawks Members will be given a pre-sale window prior to tickets on sale to the General Public. Keep an eye out on your emails for more information.