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Hawks close on NBL coaching call

3 minute read

The new Hawks ownership group hope to announce a coach within a week as they seek to reassure fans of the proud NBL club that it's in good hands.

New Hawks co-owner Dorry Kordahi hopes to announce a coach within a week as the re-branded NBL club toes the line between progress and history.

The entrepreneur and former Sydney Kings part-owner has linked with high-profile former NBA executive Bryan Colangelo and US businessman Michael Proctor in a takeover of the cash-strapped Wollongong outfit.

They will no longer be known as the Illawarra Hawks though, following a NBL directive to "spread their wings" that has irked some long-time supporters of the league's only remaining foundation club.

Kordahi was quick to point out it was a NBL directive to remove the region's name from their title.

But he said recent history suggested changes were needed to restore the Hawks on and off the court after being put into administration twice in the last five years.

"From our end we're always going to see Wollongong as the homeland," he told AAP.

"It would be stupid to jump away from that ... it's the only foundation club left so there's a lot of history and pride.

"But the Hawks have always been that team that everyone's worried about ... 'am I going to be here next year?'.

"I'm hoping our syndicate has given fans and the league a bit of comfort."

He said the intention would be to play "one or two" games in Canberra next season before slowly looking further afield.

But he still plans to stage the majority at WIN Entertainment Centre, which he said was currently below NBL standard and in line for upgrades.

The initial sugar hit of top-five NBA draft prospect LaMelo Ball's arrival last season bumped crowds, but they still struggled to fill a stadium Kordahi wants to see packed in years to come.

"If we can get 14 home games in Wollongong that sell out we're committed to that," he said.

"But we know it's had its challenges in the past with attendance.

"We need fans down there; if fans can buy into our vision and we give them that engagement and experience we'll maintain games there."

Incumbent coach Matt Flinn was tipped to return if Ball's initial bid to buy the company came through.

But the rookie mentor's position is now less secure with Kordahi declaring a coaching announcement was imminent as he prepared to meet with former player and general manager Mat Campbell to get the lay of the land.

"I don't want to lose people that have been in the club for many years, but we need to go in with fresh eyes," Kordahi said.

"See what we need, what we're missing and who we need in what position."

Kordahi also sought to reassure any players contracted to the club before free agency commences on July 1.

"There's a lot of great prospects that have done well, we're not going to let them sit there for weeks wondering," he said.

"Hopefully they see they're in good hands now."

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