Illawarra Hawks and Deng Adel to go separate ways

The Illawarra Hawks and Deng Adel have mutually agreed to part ways.  

Adel last played for the Hawks against Melbourne United on the 18th April, Round 14, but left the court after only four minutes with a groin issue. 

He missed the side’s last game against the Sydney Kings and will not take part in any further games for the Club. 

Adel has struggled to produce his best form as a marquee signing for the Hawks this season due to ongoing injuries.

“This is one of the hard parts of our game. Deng is a great kid and has shown glimpses of his enormous potential so far this season. Sadly due to injuries we haven’t seen the best of him in a Hawks uniform,” Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian said. 

“I wish Deng all the best. He has worked his butt off this season throughout some difficult times. He’s a great young man with a lot of talent and I’m sure he has a lot of good basketball ahead of him,” Goorjian said.  

Adel joined the Hawks after short stints in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and in the G-League with the Long Island Nets. 

“We thank Deng for his contribution and wish him all the best going forward. His experience has been fundamental in helping shape and develop our emerging roster,” Kordahi said. 

“Unfortunately a combination of injury issues and form has meant we haven’t seen the best of Deng this season. We are fighting hard to make a substantial title run this season and as such are constantly trying to improve the club and basketball program in order to reach our full potential,” Illawarra Hawks President Dorry Kordahi said. 

Adel averaged 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2 assists in 23 games this season (19 minutes per game). 

“It’s a shame to be leaving the Hawks, but its been a year full of challenges and frustrations with niggling injuries for me.  I would like to thank Dorry and Coach Goorjian for their support and the opportunity provided to me.  It has been a great experience and I really wish them well for the rest of the season and every success," Deng Adel said.

The Hawks have no further comments at this stage.