Round 9: Hawks vs United

Round Nine kicks off at the WIN Entertainment Centre this Monday evening with the Hawks looking for redemption against Melbourne United.

It was a double-overtime thriller the last time United came to town, and with a near-full squad in action for the Hawks, it's a chance to square the ledger in season 2023.

The Hawks couldn't repeat the intensity and grit of their performance against the Kings and were jumped from the tip by an in-form South East Melbourne Phoenix in Melbourne last weekend.

There were few highlights for the men in red, black, and white. However, the early signs from import wing Michael Frazier II were encouraging for fans and members alike.

We get it; no one likes Mondays. So, let's start the new week with a win before the Hawks hit the road against the Phoenix and Taipans later in the week.

Keep a Hawk Eye On

Michael Frazier II.

Frazier returned to the NBL promising that fans would see his complete skill set, and it didn’t take long to make his mark in his season opener.

Frazier was dialled in from the minute he hit the floor against the Phoenix, coming off the bench to lead all scorers for the Hawks with 17 points.

There was an edge and intensity to Frazier that Hawk Nation will welcome, and the ability to guard multiple positions will further bolster the perimeter defence led by Swaka Lo Buluk and Siva.

Opposition Watch

 United enter Round 9 with a 5-win 8-loss record as they continue to search for consistency at home and on the road.

Chris Goulding has shown glimpses of his dominant best in recent weeks. Usually the first and second option of the United offence, it has taken Goulding some time to warm to the ball-dominant backcourt of this year's United side.

The United captain can explode at any moment and will be a focus for Coach Jackomas in his scout for Monday night.

Rayjon Tucker is playing his best basketball of the season to date, and the twin towers of Isaac Humphries and Marcus Lee will have their hands full with Froling and Mathiang in a battle of the big men.

Protect the Pit

We are calling on all of Hawk Nation to turn out in force and "Protect the Pit."

Tip-off 7:30 pm – tickets from $30, and $70 for families, available through Ticketmaster now.