Aussie UFC star Alex Volkanovski’s hilarious slam dunk with NBL’s Illawarra Hawks

Aussie UFC star Alex Volkanovski is best known for his heroics in the octagon, but he’s game to try sports that don’t suit his bulky physique.

Alex Volkanovski may be one of the best UFC fighters in the world but the Wollongong native isn’t afraid to try his hand at sports outside of the octagon.

Earlier this week, the Australian joined in a training session with the Illawarra Hawks, as they ramp up their preparation for the upcoming NBL season.

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The Hawks play their final NBL pre-season Blitz game tonight against the Sydney Kings before getting their season proper underway against the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday December 5.

With the help of some Hawks players, Volkanovski practised basic lay-ups and even attempted some half-court shots that went awfully close to going in the hoop.

There were hilarious scenes when Volkanovski, who is 168cm tall, used the help of a stepladder to show off a few slam dunks.

“They showed me a couple of little tricks to shoot,” he said of the chance to rub shoulders with his local NBL team.

“They had good tips but it wasn’t working well for me for some reason. I think that’s more on my end, but it was good. They definitely showed me a couple of things that I’ll remember.

“I actually did a couple of halfway shots and I was probably getting the closest out of all of them.

“Even though I didn’t get them in, I was pretty consistent. They were at least hitting the ring every single time from half way.”

Alex Volkanovski living his best life with the Illawarra Hawks.

No man is too short for a slam dunk. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images for NBL)

Volkanovski is a diehard Illawarra Hawks fan and tries to get along to as many home games as he can at WIN Entertainment Centre.

“I’ve always supported the local teams and now I just feel like I want to do it even more, just try and do my part,” he said.

“I’m sure they support me and I’m going to support them.

“We’re from a reasonably small town and the talent we have on this side of the world, not just that — this little town Wollongong, the Illawarra — it’s pretty incredible.

“If I can help out in any way I can I will.

“I’ve been told we’re going to have a good year so I’ll be here ringside and I’ll be cheering them on.

“I’ve always loved basketball but now I’m making sure I’ve got time to come to the games.”

The Hawks, who are coached by veteran Boomers mentor Brian Goorjian, made the semi-finals last season are tipped by many to do at least match that result this season.

“I’ve been told nothing but good things,” Volkanovski said.

“I can’t wait to see how they do but we’re hearing good things.

“There’s a lot of talk, a lot of hype around them. They’re putting the work in. They’re keen from what I see. That goes a long way.

“I just can’t wait for a good season. I’ll be backing them and I’ll be here.”

But you won’t see him pulling on the Hawks singlet any time soon

“You can clearly see that I can’t shoot so I’ll just sit on the sidelines and I’ll be here supporting the boys,” Volkanovski said.

“But I’ll make sure I’m not on court with them because they wouldn’t be doing well if I was on the court, that’s for sure.”

As for his next UFC bout, Volkanovski is having a well-deserved break after he stunned the MMA world in September with an epic victory over Brian Ortega to defend his featherweight title.

The 33-year-old is now eyeing a trilogy fight with long-term rival Max Holloway early next year after the American established himself as the No. 1 contender for his belt with a win over Yair Rodriguez earlier this month.

“(There’s) nothing set in stone yet but probably looking at early March or something like that,” Volkanovski said.

UFC Star Alex Volkanovski showing off his basketball skills with the Illawarra Hawks. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images for NBL)

“It could be anywhere from late February, early March. I’m hoping not any later than that because I want to get back in there.

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“I made it pretty clear that I wanted to fight and compete regularly so if I could have squeezed on in this year it would have been great but we couldn’t, we had to wait for that No. 1 contender. So we did, but it’s looking like early next year.”

When asked who he expects to take on in his next fight, Volkanovski responded: “I would say it’s Max, yeah … if he does want to have a fight”

He didn’t miss the chance to call out Holloway for not yet agreeing to a fight.

“If he doesn’t want to tarnish that legacy he keeps talking about by fighting me and going 0-3 with me, then all good,” Volkanovski said.

“I respect the guy, that’s why I’m giving him a third chance. He’s shown that he’s the next best guy.

“So on my end, green lights. If he doesn’t want to then don’t come crying to me if you never get that belt.”