Wollongong ahm Hawks

Interview with Gary Ervin

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:03:00 +1000

ahm Hawks new American guard, Gary Ervin caught up with HawksTV for a quick chat.

Get down to the Snakepit Friday night to see the ahm Hawks take on the resurrected Sydney Kings in their first pre-season match against NBL opposition.

Gary Ervin arrives

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:58:00 +1000

ahm Hawks new import guard, Gary Ervin arrived from New York early Sunday morning.

A couple hours later he was on the floor in the Hawks first full squad training session.

Check out the some photos and video below.

As an encore, Dan Jackson and Tyson Demos go 1 on 1.

Hawks sign Illawarra local Tyson Demos

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:23:00 +1000

The Wollongong ahm Hawks today have signed Wollongong born and former Illawarra junior representative Tyson Demos for the 2010/11 National Basketball League Season.

Tyson will be signed as the Wollongong ahm Hawks 11th contracted player and will be a part of the squad for the entire season ahead. The 191cm guard has been training with the Hawks the past two months in between his SEABL commitments with the Southern Districts Spartans where he averaged 14.5 points per game in 2010.

A former Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder, Tyson represented Illawarra and New South Wales throughout his junior representative years.

�It�s great to be able to have Tyson involved in our program here. He�s an Illawarra local, played his junior representative basketball here and his family and friends are here. He�s been working very hard while training with us the past several weeks and we�re just glad we have been able to make sure he�s part of our program for the upcoming season.� Head Coach Gordie McLeod said.

The 22 year old who has spent the past two seasons with the Gold Coast Blaze is glad to be returning home to Wollongong and happy to be part of the Wollongong Hawks program for the upcoming season.

�I�m really looking forward to joining the Wollongong Hawks this season. To be able to represent your home town team in the NBL is a good feeling, especially being home close to family and friends again.� Tyson Demos said.

�I�ve grown up watching guys like Glen Saville & Mat Campbell since I was a kid; it�s fantastic now to be part of the Wollongong Hawks and alongside those greats who have represented our region for all those years.�

�I�m thankful Gordie has given me the chance to be part of the program this year. This gives me the opportunity to keep improving my skills day in and day out.� He added.

Demos will be the Wollongong ahm Hawks 11th contracted player for the 2010/11 Wollongong ahm Hawks squad and will join Glen Saville, Mat Campbell, Larry Davidson, Dan Jackson, Rhys Martin, Dave Gruber, Tim Coenraad, Tim Behrendorff, Oscar Forman and soon to arrive American import Gary Ervin.

Hawks Legends Night - Multimedia

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:52:00 +1000

Friday August 20, 2010 at the Snakepit

Photo Galleries

Video

Hawks too hot for Hartford

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:26:00 +1000

BOXSCORE

The Wollongong ahm Hawks have defeated the visiting University of Hartford Hawks 84-63 in a pre-season warm-up match for the NBL team on Friday night in front of close to 800 fans at the Snakepit.

Veteran Hawks guard Mat Campbell led the hometown team with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including connecting on 4-of-6 attempts from three-point range. The man known as �The Saviour� also pulled down seven rebounds.

Larry Davidson and Glen Saville added 11 points apiece for Wollongong while in his debut for his new team, Oscar Forman had eight points and eight rebounds for the NBL�s Hawks.

Hartford were led by Morgan Sabia with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Milton Burton was the only other Hartford player to score in double-figures with 10 points.

Wollongong was in scintillating form from the perimeter, nailing 13 of their 22 long range attempts to rack up almost half their points (39) from three-point territory.

Wollongong also out-rebounded the visitors 47-40 and outscored them at the free-throw line 21 to seven.

A 30-18 blitz in the first quarter saw Wollongong seize control early on and never look back.

Hartford must now back-up to face the Sydney Kings at Alexandria Stadium on Saturday night at 7:00PM.

Larry Davidson pre-season interview

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:45:00 +1000

Larry Davidson talks to us about his off-season, tonight's upcoming pre-season clash against Hartford University and a little bit more in between.

VIEW VIDEO HERE

Hawks sign American import Gary Ervin

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:14:00 +1000

The Wollongong ahm Hawks have signed their final import position for the 2010/11 National Basketball League Season. New York born point guard Gary Ervin will be the second new addition to join the eight returning players that reached the 2010 NBL Grand Finals.

�Gary is a true point guard. He has a great pass first mentality and is quick up and down the court, but can light it up on the scoreboard if he needs too. He�s got that ability to take it to the basket and pass out or hit the long range shot if needed� Head Coach Gordie McLeod said.

�After talking with Gary the past few weeks to get to know him, he has a good head on his shoulders and I believe he�ll fit really well with our system. It always helps when we�ve got our core players coming back, it just makes that transition for the new point guard to fit in much better� he added.

Just like last year�s NBL MVP New Yorker Corey �homicide� Williams, Gary Ervin spends his Summer in New York City playing in local street leagues, including the Nike Pro City, Dykman and west 4th Street. These leagues see him work his game against players either in the NBA or on the cusp of securing an NBA contract.

Most recently playing for the Halifax Rainmen in the PBL in North America, the 182cm guard has been averaging 15.4 points, 6.5 assists & 6.5 rebounds per game, while also recording two triple-doubles during the season. He also won the MVP award for the PBL All-Star game this year. Gary also spent time in the NBA D-League after completing his college career with University of Arkansas.

�I�m here to play hard under Coach Gordie McLeod, work with the guys on the team and really showcase my talents downunder.� Gary Ervin said from New York.

�I think I can come in and really work with the system the coaching staff have in place. Knowing I�m coming into a team that has only had one other change to their line up from last year is a good feeling. I just need to work with the guys to fit in and get our team game going� he added.

Gary will arrive in Wollongong within the fortnight and subject to immigration clearance may suit up for the pre-season game against the Sydney Kings on Friday 3 September at the Snakepit.

Gary Ervin and fellow newcomer for the season Oscar Forman join returning players Mat Campbell, Glen Saville, Larry Davidson, Dan Jackson, Rhys Martin, Dave Gruber, Tim Behrendorff and Tim Coenraad for the 2010/11 Wollongong ahm Hawks squad.

Hawks past players gear up for Legends game

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:11:00 +1000

This Friday night at the Snakepit the Wollongong ahm Hawks will take on Hartford University in their first pre-season game for 2010/11. But the main event will be held for the Hawks Legends game which will feature a crop of Hawks past greats.

Hawks Legends game is proudly supported by the Convenient Chemist Wollongong located on 330 Crown st, Wollongong & Booth Signs.

The Hawks pre-season game will tip off at 6pm and the Hawks Legends game will tip off at 8pm. Tickets are available from the Hawks office at the Snakepit or over the phone on 4229 7722.

Already a large number of past Hawks players have confirmed their participation for the game, including Chuck Harmison, Norman Taylor, Don Bickett, Rod Johnson, Luke Doherty, Troy Pilon, Dene MacDonald, Bob Kubbinga, Steve Vos and more. Also competing will be Hawks current Assistant Coach Matt Flinn.

�This is going to be a great night to reminisce and compete against each other in the special Hawks Legends game. To be able to have so many players compete in this game who all still live locally in the Illawarra is not only a testament to all the local talent that has come through the club but to the attractiveness of our region to keep these players living here well after their career with the Hawks.� Matt Flinn said.

The two Legends teams will be coached by former Hawks coaching staff members Tom Pottenger and Ted Weston with the assistance of Greg Hubbard and Jim Williams.

�We�re all looking forward to Hawks fans young and old coming out to support us old timers in the Hawks Legends game. It�s going to be a great night at the Snakepit in this special double header pre-season game.�

�Quite a few of us still lace up the boots regularly, so it�ll be good fun to get out there in front of the Hawks fans and have a good run, it�ll be a pretty competitive game� Flinn added.

Tickets are just $5 for Children 14 years and under, $10 for Adults & $20 for a family of four.

Tickets can be purchased from the Hawks Office at the Snakepit or phone 4229 7722.

Catered corporate boxes (6 seats) are also available for $250 for the night and can be purchased through the Hawks office.

Doors open at 5:15pm so get in early to secure your seat for the special pre-season game double header.

Wollongong ahm Hawks vs Hartford University � Tip off 6pm.

Hawks Legends Game � Tip off 8pm.

Hawks Pre-season game announced & Hawks Legends game

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:21:00 +1000

The Wollongong ahm Hawks will play their first pre-season game against Hartford University from the United States on Friday 20 August at the Snakepit. This game will tip off at 6pm and will be then followed by a special Hawks Legends game coinciding with Hawks History Month.

The Hawks Legends game will tip off at 8pm and will feature a crop of past Hawks players including Stormin� Norman Taylor, Chuck Harmison, Rod Johnson and plenty more to be announced over the coming fortnight. The game will also see the return of long time court announcer and WIN News presenter Geoff Phillips as announcer for the Hawks Legends game.

Hawks Legends game is proudly supported by the Convenient Chemist Wollongong located on 330 Crown st, Wollongong & Booth Signs.

The double header will be held at the Snakepit with tickets going on sale this Wednesday from the Hawks Office.

Children tickets will be $5, Adults $10 and a family of four $20.

Fans can call the Hawks office on 4229 7722 to order their tickets or visit the Hawks Office from Monday to Friday 9am � 5pm.

This will be the first pre-season game for the 2010/11 Wollongong ahm Hawks after officially starting pre-season training this week with the entire squad.

�It�s going to be a good hit out for us for our first game, I know the players and coaching staff are looking forward to getting back out there in front of our fans. It was fantastic last year seeing over 1200 fans pack out the Snakepit for our pre-season games and it�d be great to see that again this year especially with the special Hawks Legends game following our game.� Head Coach Gordie McLeod said.

The Hawks Legends game coincides with August being Hawks History Month. The Hawks have launched hawkshistory.com.au which showcases the past 32 years in Hawks history with photos, videos, stories, legends profiles and more.

�We�re really looking forward to this special double header. It�s great to tie in the Hawks Legends game with our first pre-season game of the 2010/11 Season. It will be great to see Hawks fans young and old support our current Hawks team but also stay for the main event which is the Hawks Legends game� said CEO Wayne Morris.

The Wollongong ahm Hawks will also play another home pre-season game at the Snakepit against arch rivals the Sydney Kings on Friday 3 September. Fans can purchase their tickets for this game from Wednesday also.

First Pre-season Game Double Header � Special Hawks Legends Night

What:    Tip off 6:00pm Wollongong ahm Hawks vs Hartford University
       Tip off 8:00pm Hawks Legends Game
Date:        Friday 20 August 2010
Time:       Doors open at 5:15pm
               Hawks Preseason game � tip off 6:00pm
             Hawks Legends game � tip off 8:00pm
Location: Snakepit, Illawarra Basketball Stadium
Tickets:   Children $5, Adults $10 & Family of four $20.
           Tickets on Sale Wednesday 4 August
           Tickets available from the Hawks Office, Illawarra Basketball Stadium or phone 4229 7722

Second Hawks Pre-season home game

What:     Wollongong ahm Hawks vs Sydney Kings
Date:       Friday 3 September
Time:     Tip off 7:00pm
Location: Snakepit, Illawarra Basketball Stadium
Tickets:    Children $5, Adults $10 & Family of four $20.
            Tickets on Sale Wednesday 4 August
            Tickets available from the Hawks Office, Illawarra Basketball Stadium or phone 4229 7722

Local businesses increase investment into Hawks

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:32:00 +1000

After the successful 2009/10 NBL campaign both on and off court, the 2010 NBL Grand Finalists Wollongong ahm Hawks have started to see current sponsors increase their investment into the club for the season ahead.

Local businesses such as Bob Jane T-Marts Wollongong, Illawarra Children Services, Project Coordination, Complete Hydraulics and Southern Engineering Services have all increased their investment into the Wollongong Hawks for the 2010/11 NBL Season.

�We�re really pleased that a number of sponsors who came on board last year when we started our not for profit community model, are now back on board but in a bigger way. It really shows not only their commitment to the Illawarra community and doing their part to see the continued growth of the Wollongong Hawks but also shows that they are enjoying their night at Hawks games and the benefits their businesses are receiving.� Said Wollongong ahm Hawks CEO Wayne Morris.

With less than three months to go until the first home at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 15 October, the Wollongong Hawks have been working towards building stronger relationships and partnerships with the corporate community of the Illawarra.

�Illawarra Children Services are very happy to have increased our support of the Wollongong Hawks for the 2010/11 NBL Season. What the club has done for our community over the past twelve months has been amazing. The Hawks put on a great night of entertainment each game throughout the summer and our guests really enjoy it. The Hawks also support us by making player appearance at our centres and this is a big winner with the kids. We are proud to be associated with such a positive community minded club and look forward to a great year� said Illawarra Children Services CEO Bill Feld.

The Wollongong Hawks have also seen local retail franchisees get involved with the club to help increase their sales and exposure in the community. Bob Jane T-Marts Wollongong came on board mid last season with signage and from that investment has increased into a corporate box and additional signage at Hawks home games.

�Last year was the first time we really got involved with sponsorship. After a great year by the Hawks on court and the exposure we received with our signage, we definitely wanted to get involved in a bigger way this year. We enjoyed the games we went to last year and feel proud to be associated with the Hawks. This year we�ve got a corporate box for the season which will be great to reward our staff and invite our loyal customers� said Bosko Serkinic, Franchisee of Bob Jane T-Marts Wollongong.

Feedback received from Wollongong Hawks sponsors last season indicated that everyone enjoyed the opportunity to be right in the game courtside, really get involved and be part of the atmosphere. All corporate partners enjoy a one hour corporate function prior to tip off catered with drinks and canap�s and have the opportunity to network with other sponsors supporting the Hawks.

�It�s great to see local businesses that had a taste of experiencing a Wollongong Hawks home game last season now wanting to be a part of it for the entire season. We have found our corporate sponsors like to use their tickets for a mix of leisure and business at times bringing their friends and family, while at other times their courtside seats are used as rewards for staff or to entertain guests or potential clients� added Wayne Morris.

Sponsorship opportunities are available with the Wollongong Hawks in a number of areas including signage & advertising, corporate hospitality, game night sponsorship, player sponsorship and more.

To become a corporate sponsor of the Wollongong Hawks contact the Hawks Office on 4229 7722 or email sponsorship@hawks.com.au.

For more information on the Wollongong ahm Hawks please visit www.hawks.com.au.