Matt Flinn announced as the new Head Coach for the NBL1 East Men’s team for the 2025 season

The Illawarra Hawks in support of Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is proud support their announcement of the appointment of our current Assistant Coach Matthew Flinn, affectionately known as “Flinny,” as the new Head Coach for the NBL1 East Men’s team for the 2025 season. A homegrown athlete and coach, Flinny’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the senior men’s program at IBA.

Flinny's basketball journey began in the Illawarra region, where he grew up honing his skills at the Snakepit as an 8-year-old through the Illawarra Junior Rep Program, a multiple NSW rep and ultimately an NBL player with the Illawarra Hawks. Flinny has experienced firsthand the power of the Illawarra basketball pathway. 

“I’m incredibly honoured to be stepping into this role, I was born and bred here so naturally there will be some extra motivation to rep the place that I grew up in, if it wasn't for the pathway established all those years ago through this place I would not be here.” Flinny said. “This is not just about coaching a team, nor is it about me, it’s about building a legacy and trying to re-create a pathway for our athletes to reach the NBL and beyond. Having walked this path myself, I understand the opportunities in front of young athletes, if you can see it and touch it , you can be it. I am so pumped that the Hawks NBL team are a part of this thing".

Flinny brings a wealth of experience to the program, having served as a long-term NBL assistant and former head coach of the Illawarra Hawks. He also built the Darwin Salties in the NBL1 North competition from scratch, a team that made the playoffs all three years of its existence. His track record includes developing emerging talent, fostering team cultures built on hard work and resilience, and creating competitive programs that aim for national recognition. 

His vision for the senior men’s program is bold: establishing it as a premier pathway for basketball athletes and building a competitive program nationally. Central to this vision is the integration of IBA’s junior and senior pathways, ensuring local talent can see a clear and achievable path to the NBL and beyond.

“Our goal is to create a men’s program that not only the Illawarra community can be proud of, but truly a linear pathway for talent, it won't be a short term fix, We’ll be fostering a competitive environment while maintaining a strong focus on player development, providing opportunities for athletes to thrive at every level. Not too many people know this but our club has produced more NBL players than nearly any other association in Australia, we want to continue that”

The Snakepit has long been a place where talent is nurtured and celebrated, and with Flinny at the helm of the Men's program, IBA is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in basketball development. His appointment is a testament to the Association’s commitment to supporting its athletes and fostering a culture of excellence across all levels of the game.

“We’re thrilled to have Matt lead our NBL1 Men’s team,” said IBA Head of Basketball, Ben Bagoly. “His deep connection to the region, combined with his professional expertise and passion for player development, aligns perfectly with our vision for the program and the IBA Pathway.”

As Flinny steps into this pivotal role, the future of the Illawarra NBL1 Men’s program looks brighter than ever. With his leadership, the team is set to build on its proud history and solidify its place as a cornerstone of basketball in the region.

Flinny’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for basketball in the Illawarra region. Six months ago, IBA and the Illawarra Hawks formalised a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering basketball development from the grassroots to the professional level.

As a current assistant coach for the NBL Illawarra Hawks, Flinny’s two roles further bridge the connection between the two organisations. His appointment as NBL1 Men's Head Coach strengthens the collaborative efforts outlined in the MOU, ensuring that young athletes in the region benefit from a cohesive and supportive basketball ecosystem.

“This is an exciting appointment, not just for IBA, but for the Illawarra Hawks and the broader basketball community in the region,” said Illawarra Hawks CEO Stu Taggart. “Matt is uniquely positioned to drive the expanding alignment between our two organisations, helping to create stronger elite player and coach development pathways to enable consistent NBL1 on court performance while also supporting the shared delivery of signature Illawarra Hawks and IBA community programs.”

Flinny’s leadership will not only drive the success of the NBL1 Men's program but will also play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s basketball pathways. His involvement will ensure that the partnership between IBA and the Hawks continues to flourish, paving the way for future generations of Illawarra athletes.

With Flinny at the helm, the Illawarra NBL1 Men's team is poised for a dynamic 2025 season, one that will inspire the local basketball community and solidify the region's reputation as a basketball powerhouse.