Injury Update: Bairstow out, but a legend returns

The Illawarra Hawks would like to provide the following injury update on injured forward Cam Bairstow.

Bairstow has missed the side’s last nine games with a minor hip issue and has today been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

“It’s obviously disappointing that I can’t continue to be out there and help the boys in the playoff push. It’s been a great experience being part of the Hawks and the Illawarra community this season,” Hawks forward Cam Bairstow said.

A familiar face will take Bairstow’s place on the roster though - with former Hawk Tim Coenraad coming out of retirement to be active in tonight’s match with the Adelaide 36ers at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

“I know Tim will be able to contribute to the team’s success and I know how much the club and being part of the Hawks means to him so I’m glad he gets another opportunity to contribute to the team,” Bairstow said.

Hawks coach Brian Goorjian highlighted Bairstow’s ‘elite professionalism’ in his short time with the club.

“Cam has been fantastic for our young side this season, with his attention to detail rubbing off on many of his less experienced teammates. He’s been an important part of our structure, he’s been a great teacher and he will be missed down the stretch of this season,” Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian said.

“Tim [Coenraad] has been working out with our group and lending a helping hand whenever required this season and I know he’s in fantastic shape and will be an experienced head in our huddles for the remainder of the year. This is a great opportunity for him,” Goorjian said.

Coenraad, a veteran of 310 NBL appearances, last played for the Hawks in 2020 before retiring at the end of last season.

The 35-year-old had averaged 8.25 points, 3.5 rebound, 1.3 assists a game across his lengthy career.

“I retired because it was what was best for me at the time, the Hawks had filled all their roster spots and the community role with the club was available, but when Brian Goorjian looks at you and says he wants you to play, the only answer is yes,” returning Hawk Tim Coenraad said.

“I’m not going be playing 20-plus minute games, but I’ll be helping out where I can by spacing the floor, hustling and working hard. Apart from that it’s just being another set of ears on the sidelines, another set of eyes, talking to the young guys and helping them through things, I’m really excited to be back and it almost feels like another chance,” Coenraad said.

“It’s real unfortunate for Cam [Bairstow]. I’ve had the pleasure of working him out a few times and you can see his capabilities offensively and defensively so it’s a real big blow for the team. I don’t think anyone can replace him, he’s NBA quality and I wish him all the best in his recovery,” Coenraad said.

Coenraad joined the Hawks in a new role as a community engagement officer at the end of last season but has maintained his fitness through training stints with Brian Goorjian’s side as well as practice sessions with the Illawarra Hawks Waratah League team.

“Cam has been a great acquisition for this club and we are thankful he has been able to pull on an Illawarra Hawks jersey this season. Unfortunately we had to make a tough call on Cam [Bairstow] as our push for a playoff spot heats up. We have been down on troops and so have decided to bring Tim [Coenraad] in knowing we have some important matches coming up over the next 20 days,” Illawarra Hawks President Dorry Kordahi said.

Bairstow’s injury is not a long-term issue and he will continue to rehabilitate with the Hawks medical team in Wollongong.

Bairstow averaged 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and an assist in 14 games this season.

Tickets for tonight's must-win clash with the Adelaide 36ers are available HERE.