Hawks defy experts' doubts as NBL season starts in New Zealand
Illawarra Hawks start their NBL27 season against New Zealand Breakers on Sunday despite nine experts predicting they will miss the top six.
The Hawks face three away games in seven days to open their season. Last year was disappointing for the defending champions, but they have recruited well with Milton Doyle and Kelan Martin impressing in the pre-season Blitz.
Only four of 13 NBL.com experts backed them for the finals; Mark Worthington predicted last place. Coach Justin Tatum gave the team a B+ for the Blitz, praising their chemistry, assists and turnover ratio.
He said rebounding and defence need work before facing a Breakers team that beat them four times last season.
- 9 of 13
- Experts predicting top-six miss
- 4 wins in 4 games
- Breakers record vs Hawks last season
- Milton Doyle, Kelan Martin
- New recruits
- B+
- Coach's Blitz assessment
Why it mattersBeing underestimated can motivate a team, and the Hawks have the new talent to prove doubters wrong.
AustraliaIllawarra fans will be hoping the Hawks bounce back from a poor season and show the experts were wrong.
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