Hawks 'go back to the future' to replicate glory days

Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum will be the first to admit the club's Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season wasn't up to scratch, going as far as to say the Hawks "cheated their fans".

In the hope of replicating their run to the 2024-25 title, Tatum explained his team is aiming to 'go back to the future' in the fast-approaching NBL season.

"If it wasn't broke, don't fix it. We got to get back to getting it back to how it was," Tatum said to the Illawarra Mercury.

The Hawks that done that by retaining Tyler Harvey, Sam Froling, Todd Blanchfield, Dan Grida, Will Hickey, Kobe McDowell-White, Johny Narkle, Mason Peatling and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk from the NBL25 title side, while adding duo Kyle Adnam and Amarco Doyle.

"We want to be able to have versatile, skilled guys in multiple positions who can accommodate somebody else on the court. Once we get back to that rhythm, I think you'll see the exciting team that it was back in 2024-25," Tatum said.

The plan now is to round out their squad with imports, particularly a versatile big man.

"It's a tough spot, because there are so many expectations in that [import] spot. It's primarily somebody who can play a little bit of stretch four, and if he's tough enough, we want to put him at the five."

One player, who was part of the club's drought-breaking title and is currently training with the Hawks is Lachie Olbrich.

But Tatum explained that, while Olbrich would always have a spot with the club, the big man harbours NBA ambitions after a strong rookie season with the Chicago Bulls in 2025-26.

"We're never going to stop or slow down his path where his goal is for himself and his family, basketball-wise. But the doors will never close for Lachie Olbrich here at the Hawks," he said.

Another player that fits the 'back to the future mould' is forward Darius Days, who the club are reportedly in the mix to sign for this season, along with NBL24 champion Milton Doyle.

Illawarra will open its 2026-27 campaign on Sunday, September 20 against the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena.

‍Read the full story here >> Hawks target new import to complete their 'back to the future' roster