NBL EXPERIENCE

Alex Sakuns made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 16 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

The biggest off-season move by the Hawks in 1981 was the decision to move into their new home venue, Beaton Park Stadium, commonly known as ‘The Snakepit.’ Illawarra saw key contributors Kevin Becker (to Geelong) and Bob Kubbinga (St. Kilda) move to Victoria to find better opportunities. Joey Farrugia, who coached the team during the Hawks’ inaugural season, was reappointed as head coach. Farrugia recruited two new imports, Michael Jones (via USA) and Benny Lewis (via West Adelaide), to lead the team offensively, while retaining team captain Gordie McLeod, Jim Slacke, and Ray Hannett as the Hawks’ core group. Local talent, 17-year-old rookie Tim Morrissey, was also added to the roster, tipped by many to be a future star in the league.

The Hawks’ biggest game in 1981 was perhaps prior to the season even starting when they defeated European powerhouse Partizan in an exhibition game. Riding off a strong preseason, the Illawarra Hawks opened their campaign with a solid away victory over the City of Sydney (92-80). However, the momentum was short-lived as the Hawks faced a tough loss to Newcastle (73-93) in the following round. A highlight of their season came when they defended the Snakepit through a three-game stretch, securing consecutive home victories against Canberra (91-71), West Adelaide (108-91), and Coburg (87-85).

Despite showing strength at home, the Hawks struggled on the road, with key losses like their defeat to St. Kilda Saints (100-114) and an unexpected loss to Forestville (88-94). These challenges highlighted the team’s inconsistency in maintaining winning momentum, especially in away fixtures (1-10).

The Hawks were led by Michael Jones (30.5 points), who was one of the first legitimate big men in the league. Jones’s scoring ability had never been seen from a centre before as he led the league in scoring and free throw percentage (87.6%) before being voted as the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Benny Lewis (20.5 points), Jim Slacke (12.7 points), Ray Hannett (8.4 points), and Gordie McLeod (7.5 points) provided Jones with all the support they could, but the Hawks’ inconsistent form, particularly in away games, saw them miss out on a postseason berth, finishing in eighth place during the regular season (9-13).

At 16 years of age, Alex Sakuns (1.3 points) appeared in 3 games this season. Though his contributions were modest, Sakuns provided additional support and depth for the Hawks throughout the season. Sakuns remains one of the youngest players to have ever played in the NBL.

1982
Under new coach Tom Pottinger, Illawarra returned most of its 1981 roster, with only Benny Lewis and Alan Yates departing. The club added American forward Alonzo Weatherly to join reigning MVP Michael Jones, while captain Gordie McLeod and veterans Jim Slacke and Ray Hannett anchored the core. Reserve guard Alex Sakuns again filled a depth role, providing backup minutes across seven appearances.

The Hawks opened their campaign with a 98–91 win over Launceston Casino City before suffering a narrow 87–88 loss to Adelaide City. They remained dominant at home (8–5) but struggled on the road, winning just three of thirteen away games. Despite the inconsistency, Illawarra showed flashes of high-level play behind McLeod’s direction and the offensive punch of Jones and Weatherly.

April produced the Hawks’ best run of form, highlighted by four consecutive victories — including a 125–103 shootout over Westate and a commanding 106–83 defeat of Nunawading. Jones (23.9 points, 8.1 rebounds) and Weatherly (23.7 points, 9.2 rebounds) led the surge, while McLeod (10.3 points, 4.5 assists) and Slacke (16.8 points, 5 rebounds) rounded out the attack. Sakuns provided energy and ball movement in limited minutes, maintaining rotation balance during the mid-season stretch.

Illawarra closed the season strongly with a victory over Bankstown (98-86), but despite a few notable wins, their inconsistencies, particularly on the road, resulted in them finishing ninth with an 11–15 record.

Alex Sakuns (0.3 points and 0.3 assists) appeared in 7 games this season. Though his contributions were modest, Sakuns provided additional support and depth for the Hawks throughout the season.

Alex Sakuns played two seasons with the Illawarra Hawks.