NBL 2014/15 Round 8 Preview: Slumping Hawks set to reignite against Townsville
Wollongong Hawks vs. Townsville Crocodiles
Friday 28th November 2014; tip-off 7:30pm (local time)
WIN Entertainment Centre
Odds: Wollongong $2.25; Townsville $1.65
Wollongong, Wollongong, Wollongong. Where do we start with the Hawks right now?
Sitting dead last with a record of just 1-11, coming off the back of eleven straight losses, yes ELEVEN STRAIGHT losses.
Fingers are being pointed as for who to blame, imports are in hot water, discussions about wrong players being released, wrong players being signed, it really couldn't get much worse for the local NSW side.
However, the show must go on; another challenger awaits on their home floor in the Townsville Crocodiles. The 4-5 Crocs have shown they are no easy beats, although the are well and truly beatable.
The Crocs' cavalry comes from their front court, something in which the Hawks may be able to maintain stability. Their back-court is deep, yet no real star shines bright. Again, something Wollongong may be able to keep in check.
For the Hawks, the time is now to produce a performance for their home fans, the opportunity arises for a victory, the players must now bring the energy required and take the game on.
Key Player
Gary Ervin
With the backcourt of Townsville's nothing incredibly special, the Crocs will have their eyes set on giving Jahii Carson a tough night on the offensive end. Enter Gary Ervin.
Ervin must provide the extra assistance whether it be scoring points or finding teammates for easy buckets. If Wollongong are to come out of this with their second win of the season, Ervin will be the man of the moment.
Despite subpar performances in his previous handful of outings, Ervin will be looking to improve as his high personal standards need to be met so he can push this Hawks outfit out of the deep hole in which they've dug themselves into.
Ervin will be playing with his heart tonight as he has dedicated the rest of this season to his late cousin Kevin Ervin who sadly passed away.
What To Watch For
Crowd Size
With the Hawks on the slide, the big question is how many people keep coming back to support the boys in red?
Wollongong have a great supporter base so the stadium should still be filled with red jerseys cheering for their favourite players. However, as everyone knows wins keep the fans coming back and that is something the Hawks have failed to do this season.
For the NBL's sake, teams go through their ebbs and flows with clubs always seem to find their way back up. Think about it, the Hawks were in the Grand Final just a few seasons back.
Get up Hawks fans, cheer loud and cheer proud, tonight could be the night you're back on the winners list. Don't miss out!
Final Word
It's been a long time coming. The Hawks have gone through everything this past month and for fans they're probably hoping Christmas comes faster than ever. With December right around the corner, Hawks fans' prayers may soon be answered.....with an early present, a victory in November.
Hawks by 2