Hawks to honour co-owner Michael Proctor

The Illawarra Hawks will honour the late Michael Proctor during their NBL22 campaign after the co-owner sadly passed away recently following a six-year battle with cancer.  

The foundation club will sport a specially designed 'MKP’ logo on their playing jerseys, in memory of his commitment to basketball and the Hawks since the ownership group took control in 2020.  

Co-owner and club president Dorry Kordahi paid tribute to Proctor.   

"It's extremely sad to hear the news about Michael's passing," Kordahi said.   

"He's made a huge contribution to the sport, in the United States, along with investing his time in bettering the Hawks, so his family should be extremely proud of his achievements.   

"Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to meet Michael in person due to COVID-19 but through our countless video conference meetings, he had a massive impact on me, and we developed a strong relationship.   

"His passion will be a massive loss for the Hawks and Illawarra community as a whole."   

Fellow Hawks co-owner Bryan Colangelo echoed the thoughts of Kordahi.  

"I had the privilege of knowing Michael Proctor as a teammate in college, a lifelong friend since and watched him become a tremendous husband, father, businessman and partner to our ownership group in the ensuing years," said Colangelo, who attended Cornell University with Proctor.

"If not for Michael, I wouldn’t have been part of this group myself and will forever remember his spirit, joy and enthusiasm for his family, the game of basketball and more specifically the Illawarra Hawks.  

"This is a fitting tribute to a world-class human being.” 

Michael's son Dominic and his family will take over his ownership position within the club.  

"Even though he was taken from us too soon, his love for the Hawks and game will never be forgotten," Dominic said. 

"I am proud to continue his legacy and pursue his goal of bringing a championship to Illawarra." 

The Hawks will wear the jerseys for the first time and honour Proctor on Friday, February 25 during their match-up with the Adelaide 36ers - with tickets available via Ticketmaster.