Hawks To Face Bullets In Season Opener

The Hawks will kick off their NBL 2020-21 campaign with a clash against the Brisbane Bullets at Nissan Arena on Saturday 16 January in the opening round of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.

The Hawks are currently based in Cairns as they prepare for the season opener and will travel down to Brisbane for what will be the first game of the new season for both clubs.

Master coach Brian Goorjian will make his long awaited NBL return as Head Coach of the Hawks and said he is excited to finally get the season underway.

"I am really looking forward to the season opener and seeing how we stack up against the rest of the NBL. I think once you watch us in action against Brisbane, you'll see just how exciting this young and athletic team is. NBL fans all around the country are really going to enjoy getting behind this group," Goorjian said.

"I've handpicked each player on this team, I've never had that opportunity before and I've been so impressed with their improvement and enthusiasm while on the road. I didn't know we'd be going through a pandemic when I selected this team, but now I'm even more ecstatic with the group I've got. They couldn't have handled this situation any better and their hardwork will finally be rewarded with a game on Saturday" he said. 

It will be the first game in a Hawks uniform for more than half Goorjian's new look side, with Golden State Warriors draftee Justinian Jessup, key import Tyler Harvey and former Boomer Cam Bairstow all hitting the court together for the first time as Hawks.

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm this Saturday’s game in Brisbane. It will be great to have the NBL back in Brisbane and to be able to have fans live in venue for what should be a fantastic game to help open the new season.”

Capacity at Nissan Arena will be capped at 50 per cent in accordance with public health directions. 

The game will tip-off at 4.30pm (5.30pm AEDT) and be broadcast live on SBS VICELAND, SBS on Demand, SKY Sport and Twitch.

The schedule for the opening round of NB21 is as follows: