Illawarra Hawks NBL1 Preview

NBL1 East tips off this Saturday at the Snakepit, with three NBL23 Hawks players suiting up for a Round 1 matchup against the Maitland Mustangs. 

While Hawks veteran Tim Coenraad announced his retirement from the national competition, Hawks fans will be excited to catch him hooping for his second season in NBL1. The 14 year NBL veteran was a solid contributor for the Hawks averaging 22 points and 8 boards in 2022. 

William 'Davo' Hickey and Harry Morris will also be hitting the court for the NBL1 Hawks squad this season. 

Hickey will be heading into the NBL1 season running off the back of his most fruitful season in the NBL, with 5 starts making him a core part of a young Illawarra Hawks team. Hickey was a mainstay for the Ballarat Miners in the 2022 season, averaging 18 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists. 

Morris will be returning for his second season with the Hawks, and will look to further develop his raw talent. Harry's debut NBL1 season was impressive to say the least, averaging 17 points and 6 assists per game. With four NBL games to his name, the young forward will be looking to play a key role in a team determined to go the full distance in season 23. 

The Maitland Mustangs who are stacked with local talent, are headlined by the signing of Californian born guard Kevin Warren who is a 2022 graduate from the illustrious Chico State University basketball program.

With Maitland looking to build upon a top four finish in season 22, Saturday night's clash is set to be nothing short of a blockbuster. 

With 11 of 22 games to be played at home, there will be plenty for HawkHeads to look forward to this NBL off season.

Tickets are $5, with doors opening from 4pm at the Snakepit. Catch the women’s NBL1 game tipping off at 5pm Saturday 11 March, followed by the men’s game tipping off at 7pm.