Our Coaches

Justin Tatum - Head Coach

Justin Tatum joined the Hawks as North American scout and special advisor to basketball operations, before being elevated to the role of Assistant Coach for NBL24. Tatum was a decorated collegiate basketballer and pro player before joining the coaching ranks. As a Nike Elite Basketball League coach, Tatum helped scout and develop the skills of several professional calibre players, including Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets forward Xavier Sneed. Coach Tatum also served as the Associate Head Coach of The St. Louis Surge, the women's professional team in St. Louis.

Joel Khalu - Assistant Coach

Joel Khalu brings over 20 years of elite playing, coaching and executive experience in basketball. Along with winning multiple NBL1 North championships as a Head Coach, Khalu has also been an Assistant Coach for the Australian Emus junior national team for the past two-years. In addition, he served as Head Coach of the Papua New Guinea men’s national team for six-years, where he guided the side to a FIBA Melanesia Cup gold medal in 2017.  

Sam Gruggen - Assistant Coach

Gruggen has extensive coaching experience, including being an assistant coach at the NBL level with the Cairns Taipans, Sydney Kings and Townsville Crocodiles.  

Matt Flinn - Assistant Coach

Matt Flinn, with a rich history as a player and coach for the Illawarra Hawks, rejoined the coaching staff for NBL25. Flinn's deep understanding of Illawarra's basketball pathways and his degree from the University of Wollongong integrate him well into the local community.

In 2025 Flinn also took over as head coach of the Illawarra NBL1 program.

Tom Cranney - Assistant Coach