How the high-flying Illawarra Hawks have flipped the big brother script ahead of Xmas clash
He’s seen both sides of the rivalry but former Illawarra and now Sydney coach Brian Goorjian says the tables have turned on the big brother narrative surrounding the NBL’s NSW rivals, ahead of their Christmas Day blockbuster.
When Brian Goorjian coached the Illawarra Hawks, he felt like it was a rebuilding process to gain the respect of big brother the Sydney Kings.
Two years on, Goorjian is coaching the Kings and says the high-flying Hawks have flipped the script ahead of Wednesday’s Christmas Day blockbuster.
The NBL’s best-ever coach declared Illawarra was now the big brother in the long-running NSW rivalry and the undisputed best team based on results.
The Hawks are chasing three straight wins over Sydney this season, with Goorjian challenging his side to make a statement against the benchmark team in NBL25.
“We’re certainly not intimidated and there is a respect there, so let’s throw some punches and see where we sit against the best,” Goorjian said.
“For us it is a real test playing against the No.1 team in the competition.
“When I was on the other side of the fence at the Hawks we were just trying to get respect and be competitive.
“I think the rivalry started there, but it has shifted and they (Illawarra) have got the upper hand.
“It will be a real test in every aspect – the rivalry, the position on the ladder, Christmas Day.
“It has got every ingredient for something to play for and we’re really excited about the challenge.”
The Hawks are humming as the clear competition leaders this season, but Goorjian says their rise isn’t a flash in the pan.
He believes the club’s emergence to prominence has been a process over a four to five year period.
“It hasn’t been a one-year wonder,” he said.
“It has been a gradual of good pieces, good ownership and good coaching via Justin Tatum.
“There is a foundation and it has been done well.
“We (the Kings) are now in that process, so it will be nice to see where we sit in this.
“We feel like we’ve been competitive against Illawarra, but I always felt when the game finished that they (Illawarra) were the better team.
“I feel like we’re getting better, but you just saw what the Hawks did to Perth – they are a challenge in every aspect.”
From a coaching perspective, Goorjian is looking forward to the challenge of containing a loaded Illawarra side.
The Hawks are blessed with a potent front-court led by big man Sam Froling, while Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell form arguably the NBL’s leading backcourt.
Trey Kell with the big triple 💥
— NBL (@NBL) December 22, 2024
He’s now up to 22 points at the end of the first half 🪣
Watch live on ESPN | 10 & 10 Play 📺 pic.twitter.com/aQJ42h1Gcw
This was on show in Sunday’s 120-88 smacking of the previously in-form Perth Wildcats led by one of the NBL’s best ever guards in Bryce Cotton.
Harvey and Kell combined for 46 points in the 32 point drubbing of the Wildcats.
It was a clinical performance from the Hawks that had Goorjian sitting up and taking notice ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
“Illawarra has got all bases covered and maybe the best guard combination in the NBL, so to me it starts with guard play with Harvey and Kell,” he said.
“If you can slow that down and control it then you are in with a chance.”
As an American, Kings guard Jaylen Adams finds it hard to feel the homegrown passion that comes with some NBL rivalries.
“But it’s different with the Hawks – you definitely feel a genuine rivalry,” Adams said.
“It’s just special.
“They (Illawarra) have always been really good since I’ve been in the NBL.
“It’s the cross-town thing and everyone calls them the little brothers to Sydney, but they’ve beaten us twice this season.
“They are confident, they get real chirpy in games and they just play with a lot of energy.”
As one of the NBL’s premier defenders, Adams can’t wait to take on a fellow leading guard in Harvey.
“Tyler is a certified sniper,” he said.
“He takes tough shots, makes tough shots and they (the Hawks) did a good job building a roster around him.
“Trey Kell is making Tyler’s job easier, so I love competing against them.”
NBL CHRISTMAS DAY BLOCKBUSTER
Sydney Kings (3) vs Illawarra Hawks (1) at Qudos Bank Arena from 8.30pm (AEDT)
HOOPS FESTIVE SEASON SCHEDULE:
Tuesday December 24
11.30am AEDT, Miami Heat vs Brooklyn Nets, ESPN
2pm AEDT, Golden State Warriors vs Indiana Pacers, ESPN
5:30pm AEDT: Adelaide 36ers vs Brisbane Bullets at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Wednesday December 25
6pm AEDT, Tasmania JackJumpers vs New Zealand Breakers, ESPN
8.30pm AEDT, Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks, ESPN
Thursday December 26
4am AEDT, New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs, ESPN
4am AEDT, NBA Holiday Game: Dunk The Halls, ESPN2
4am AEDT, NBA Holiday Game: Dunk The Halls, Disney+
6.30am AEDT, Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN
9am AEDT, Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN
12pm AEDT, Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN
2.30pm AEDT, Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets, ESPN
7.30pm AEDT, Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United, ESPN
Friday December 27
11.30am AEDT, Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls, ESPN
2pm AEDT, Portland Trailblazers vs Utah Jazz, ESPN
7.30pm AEDT, Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks, ESPN
Saturday December 28
11.30am AEDT, Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers, ESPN
2pm AEDT, LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors, ESPN
8pm AEDT, Adelaide 36ers vs Perth Wildcats, ESPN
Sunday December 29
10am AEDT, Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN
2.30pm AEDT, Tasmania JackJumpers vs Brisbane Bullets, ESPN
Monday December 30
10am AEDT, Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers, ESPN
7.30pm AEDT, Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers, ESPN
Tuesday December 31
11am AEDT, Charlotte Hornets vs Chicago Bulls, ESPN
2pm AEDT, Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks, ESPN
5.30pm AEDT, Illawarra Hawks vs South East Melbourne Phoenix, ESPN
*ESPN and ESPN2 are available on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky NZ.
More Coverage
United adds to Cairns’ woes as Bullets take major injury hit
Melbourne United have added to Cairns’ barren run, getting back to winning ways to start their long away game stretch. Meanwhile, the Bullets have taken a hit on the injury front.
Hallway scuffle erupts in NBL Christmas night thriller
The Sydney Kings’ Christmas night clash with Illawarra Hawks got off to a hot start — and it kept heating up with reports referees had to separate players during a hallway scuffle.