Hawks throw support behind Illawarra's inaugural NBL1 East side

The Hawks are excited to see the Illawarra Basketball Association announce their inaugural NBL1 East men’s coach Nashat Al-Saadi for the upcoming 2022 season.

As the main pathway for future stars in the NBL, Hawks co-owner and president Dorry Kordahi believes this is a huge step in the right direction for the IBA.

“The Illawarra Hawks, as big supporters of the Illawarra Basketball Association, are excited to see Nashat Al-Saadi appointed as their inaugural NBL1 men’s head coach,” Kordahi said.

This competition provides a legit pathway for the next generation of Hawks stars to ply their trades.

“We will continue to build our connection with the IBA and focus on building a pathway for our region. I wish them the best of luck in 2022.”

Al-Saadi has been heavily involved with the Hawks local and representative program over the past three years, initially coming in as an assistant coach with the Basketball NSW Waratah youth league men’s division one team before becoming head coach of the Hawks under 18s boys junior Premier League team.

He has extensive basketball experience across the world, including Iraq, Syria and the UAE that he will be able to invest in the NBL1 East competition.

“I’m extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity,” Al-Saadi said.

“I have had the opportunity to work closely with a lot of talented Hawks players over the past three seasons and I’m looking forward to being able to recruit more talent to the Hawks as part of our NBL1 East journey.

“The work that I’ve seen put in from all parties since being a part of the association makes me want to be on board for the future.”

IBA president Sam Ackroyd has welcomed the announcement of Al-Saadi as the coach of the Hawks NBL1 men’s team. 

“To be able to get someone with Nash’s international experience and reputation is a huge win for our Club,” Ackroyd said.

“Nash works really hard with our talented juniors and seniors in our representative program, but more importantly he also gives his time for our local competitions in coaching junior teams. 

“This gives our members that clear vision that they can play and stay in the Illawarra while also pursuing their basketball dreams.

“We are excited by the level of player that Nash is looking to bring to the club as well and we are hoping for some exciting player announcements very soon.”

Trials for the Hawks men’s team tip-off on Sunday, December 19 from 5.20pm at the Snakepit.

Registrations can be completed via here.