Energy crisis: Illawarra’s identity fading fast

There's many possible reasons why the Illawarra Hawks aren't replicating last season's success.

Firstly, the roster has a huge makeup, with the likes of Trey Kell III, Lachlan Olbrich, Darius Days and Hyunjung Lee all departing. They've been replaced by players that include three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee and QJ Peterson (following a short stint from JaQuori McLaughlin).

The rotation has changed significantly, but it's perhaps the numbers that tell the biggest story.

Last season, Illawarra averaged 101.4 points per game, the best mark in the league. This year, they’re at just 89.6, which is sixth-best in the competition.

The Hawks also have the second-worst offensive rating (107.2) and points per possessions (1.07) and hold a league worst 16 in turnover percentage.

Finally, at the WIN Entertainment Centre, they’re 1-6, a far cry from their impressive home record in NBL25.

In an interview with Fox Sports, NBL champion Brad Rosen pointed to advice legendary coach Brian Goorjian once gave him in terms of defending a title, something he implored the Hawks need to adopt.

“One thing Brian Goorjian said to me is, ‘Mate, never talk about a championship. You put it in your back pocket and say that was a fabulous season, but we start again.’ I always remember that,” Rosen said to Fox Sports.

Having watched the Hawks firsthand numerous times as a commentator this season, Rosen explained they reasons why he believes Justin Tatum's side are struggling this campaign.

“They’re turning the ball over, they’re giving up a huge amount of offensive rebounds, and the biggest thing for me is they’re just not playing with the same energy they had last year,” Rosen said.

“That was Tatum’s key to success. It didn’t matter who he put on the floor, they were going 100 miles an hour, and in a good way. They went hard at everything.”

The Hawks will look to keep their title defence alive on Thursday night when they host the Brisbane Bullets from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> ‘Nowhere near that’: The alarming numbers and identity crisis behind Illawarra Hawks’ slump