Illawarra Hawks release championship player Darius Days after poor start
Illawarra Hawks cut Darius Days, last season's championship-winning import, after he played less than seven minutes in the season opener.
The Illawarra Hawks have parted ways with Darius Days, a championship-winning player from last season, after he played less than seven minutes in the Hawks' season-opening loss to New Zealand. Days finished scoreless with three rebounds and four fouls.
Coach Justin Tatum called it the hardest decision of his four-year tenure. Last season, Days made an immediate impact with 20 points and 12 rebounds in his debut, then averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds over 25 games while shooting 50.5 per cent from the field.
However, fitness concerns lingered after he rejoined the Hawks for a second stint. Tatum said the team is in advanced talks to find a replacement frontcourt player to support co-captain Sam Froling.
- less than 7 minutes
- Playing time in opener
- 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds per game
- Last season average
- 50.5%
- Field goal percentage
- Justin Tatum, 4 years
- Coach tenure
Why it mattersThe Hawks' championship window narrows if they must replace a key scorer early in the season.
AustraliaThe Illawarra Hawks are a major NBL team; roster changes affect the quality of Australian basketball and the team's title chances this season.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
