NBL 2014/15 Round 1 Preview: Hawks take on Kings in battle of the imports
Wollongong Hawks vs Sydney Kings
Saturday 10th October, 2014 - 7:30 pm local time
Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney
Odds - Hawks - $2.75, Kings - $1.45
Tickets - Click here
The Sydney Kings open their 2014/2015 with a home game against a tired Wollongong Hawks outfit, who are coming off a win to the Townsville Crocodiles on Friday night.
Both teams enter the season after a fairly disappointing 2013/2014 campaigns and are eager to start off on the front-foot. Sydney are led by U.S. import Josh Childress and will be seeking revenge on the team who kept them out of last seasons play-off series. The Hawks continue their season without key forward Larry Davidson, who is nursing a knee injury and will look to the newly signed Luke Nevill to pick up the slack.
Both teams have had major roster overhauls this off-season and will be battling team chemistry in the opening rounds. Key import players will be relied upon to get these teams firing on all cylinders, making this game an interesting microcosm for the season ahead.
Key Player
Jahii Carson
That's Jumpin Jahii Carson thank you very much.
Carson is lightening quick and uses mouth-watering athleticism to finish above the rim. Quarterbacking the team from point-guard, the success of the Hawks in 2014/2015 will ultimately come down to Carson's output and ability to get teammates open shots. Players like Carson do not come around often, making the Hawks - win or lose, exciting to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIiaCCGcyQk
What To Watch For
There is always fireworks to begin a season, so expect nothing less in Sydney's home opener. The Hawks will be a little fatigued coming off last night's game and will be up against it in Sydney, however don't think for a moment that this rivalry will fizzle out early on in the game.
The King's have had a strong off-season and will be looking to get their season off to a quick start. With speedy guard Kendrick Perry running the point, sharp shooter Ben Madgen banging from the perimeter, Angus Brandt down low and Childress flexing in isolation, it is no wonder the King's are such strong favorites.
Final Word
Don't ever write off the Hawks (ping: Last Season), as Carson and his crew will be determined to prove critics wrong. However, the second leg of a back-to-back is always tough, so look for a fourth quarter surge from the home team that will prove to be too strong.
Sydney by 10+