BIO: Jim Slacke was born in San Jose, California (USA) in 1953, and lived there until going away to college. He attended California State University at Chico, playing one season for the basketball team in 1972–73 before graduating in 1976 and spending the next 10 years playing professional basketball in Australia.

Slacke finished his career as one of the NBL’s all-time best free throw shooters with a 86 percent clip while plaing in 143 games, all for the Illawarra Hawks.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Jim Slacke made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 24 years of age. He scored 22 points in his first game.

Illawarra’s inaugural NBL campaign began with a Wollongong-built core under first-year coach Joe Farrugia and captain Bob Kubbinga, with American duo Jim Slacke (23.8 points across 18 games) and center Ted Holcomb (16.1 points across 10 games) leading the team in scoring. Playing out of Beaton Park’s “Snakepit,” they finished 5–13 for 8th place in the ten-team league.

The Hawks opened with a statement win over St Kilda on March 3, defeating the eventual champions 91–88 as Jim Slacke (22 points) set the tone alongside Ted Holcomb (18 points), Steve Tonkin (16 points), and Jim Williams (15 points), while the Saints were led by Larry Sengstock (25 points) and Tony Barnett (25 points) in a game where both teams shot 50% from the field and Illawarra owned the free-throw line, converting 17-of-21 to St Kilda’s 16-of-29.

A narrow 74–78 home loss to Canberra followed the next day, before the Hawks edged Bankstown 74–71 to start 2–1. The season then turned with a nine-game losing streak that stretched from mid-March through late April, including their worst loss of the season—a 47–77 defeat to Nunawading on April 7, where Bruce Andrews (17 points) and Jim Slacke (16 points) were the only double-figure scorers. Illawarra attempted just 36 field goals and finished 11-of-15 at the stripe, while the Spectres registered 37-of-74 from the floor.

Illawarra bounced back from that 30-point loss with their biggest victory of the year, a 110–83 home win over Glenelg on May 12, driven by Ted Holcomb (32 points) and Jim Slacke (26 points), as the Hawks poured in a season-high 110 points on 48-of-96 shooting, while the Tigers were led by David Smyth (21 points) and Lutz Heim (18 points).

A week later, the Hawks completed the sweep of Glenelg with a 74–68 win in Adelaide, then closed the season in style by defeating state rivals Newcastle 81–80 at the Snakepit in their last game of the season. Season-high scorer Slacke (34 points) delivered his best performance of the year, battling Falcons star Dave Ankeney (26 points) bucket for bucket, as Illawarra sealed their fifth win with late-game execution in a one-point thriller.

Jim Slacke (23.8 points across 18 games) finished fifth in the league in scoring, with Ted Holcomb (16.1 points across 10 games), Steve Tonkin (13.4 points across 15 games) and point guard Gordie McLeod (10.1 points across 17 games) serving as the team’s other primary scorers. With Illawarra out of the four-team playoffs, the league crowned its inaugural champion when St Kilda edged Canberra 94–93 in a single-game Grand Final on June 10, providing the highlight for the Hawks’ season: a victory over the league’s first championship team, having upset the Saints on opening night.

1980
Illawarra’s second NBL season saw inaugral coach Joey Farrugia replaced with national-team assistant Adrian Hurley. The Hawks returned with an almost identical roster to the season prior, the only key changes being the exit of Steve Tonkin and Bruce Andrews exiting the rotation.

Illawarra dropped their season opener 76–73 at Coburg on February 2, where the Giants were paced by Wayne Carroll (20 points), while the Hawks leaned on Jim Slacke (25 points) and Ted Holcomb (18 points).

Less than 24 hours later the Hawks defeated reigning champions St Kilda 74–68 at Albert Park, overcoming NBL MVP Rocky Smith (36 points) thanks to big nights from Jim Slacke (29 points), and Gordie McLeod (15 points) on a day Illawarra went 12-of-20 at the stripe and matched the Saints at 50% from the floor.

Hurley’s group then ripped off six straight to reach 6–1, highlighted by wins over West Torrens (101–77 at home), Canberra (78–56 away and 72–65 at home), Newcastle (73–71 away and 101–98 at home), and Bankstown (83–82 away).

After this early season surge, Illawarra recieved a reality check, struggling to find wins (7-8 for remainder of the season) and suffering major losses to St Kilda (83–101), Coburg (70–74), and Nunawading who came away victorious through a nail-biter at Beaton Park (89–88).

The Hawk’s run home drilled this home, as the Hawks lost their last three games (West Adelaide 95–85, Brisbane 87–80, and Launceston 80–79) to finish one win shy of the making semi-finals.

Their final game of the season saw Tigers duo Curtis Coleman (31 points) and Cliff Martin (20 points) deliver the damage, while Illawarra’s scoring efforts came from Jim Slacke (24 points), Kevin Becker (16 points) and Jim Williams (13 points).

Over the course of the season, Jim Slacke (22.6 points, 87.2% FT across 22 games) led the Hawks in scoring, while finishing as the league’s best free-throw shooter. Kevin Becker (16.3 points across 22 games) provided additional scoring, while captain Gordie McLeod (13 points across 19 games) orchestrated the offence.

Illawarra closed the regular season 13–9 and sixth in a 12-team league—outside the four-team semi-finals but markedly improved from their 5–13 debut season.

1981
Following Adrian Hurley’s departure, Illawarra reinstated foundation coach Joe Farrugia for their third NBL season and turned over much of the roster that had narrowly missed the playoffs. Gone were Kevin Becker, Ted Holcomb, and retiring captain Bob Kubbinga, replaced by American imports Michael Jones and Benny Lewis, while veteran shooting guard Jim Slacke returned for his third year to provide scoring stability and leadership. Local teen Tim Morrissey was promoted to the senior squad, and the Hawks permanently moved into Beaton Park Stadium.

A strong preseason highlighted by an upset win over European powerhouse Partizan set expectations high before the regular season tipped off with a loss to Newcastle (73–93). Slacke (4 points) had a quiet start, while Jones (25 points) and Lewis (24 points) carried the offense, though Carl Whitfield (26 points) and the Falcons proved too strong. Less than 24 hours later Illawarra struck back at City of Sydney (92–80), with Slacke (8 points) complementing Jones (30 points) and Lewis (15 points). Captain Gordie McLeod (15 points) steered the team efficiently in a whistle-heavy contest where the Hawks shot 27 free throws to the Astronauts’ 19.

Illawarra’s home debut at Beaton Park was a statement, dismantling Canberra (91–71). Slacke (6 points) chipped in behind the explosive pairing of Jones (36 points) and Lewis (31 points) as Illawarra shot 51% from the floor and went a perfect 11-of-11 at the line. A tough Melbourne doubleheader followed, with St Kilda outlasting the Hawks (114–100) despite strong games from Jones (37 points) and McLeod (20 points), and Nunawading winning the next day (95–74). Illawarra sat 2–2 after four rounds.

Midseason proved punishing. The Hawks fell to Launceston (91–104) and then suffered their worst loss of the season at West Adelaide (66–104) before another defeat at Forestville (88–94). In that second game, Jones erupted for his season-high 43 points, with Slacke (15 points) in support, while Reg Biddings (29 points) led the Eagles. Returning home, Illawarra steadied with a 97–76 revenge win over Forestville and a stretch of strong home performances that included victories over City of Sydney (98–81), a statement win against West Adelaide (108–91), and a grinding two-point triumph over Nunawading (76–74). Slacke contributed 16 points in the Bearcats upset and remained a reliable secondary option alongside the imports.

Travel continued to trouble the Hawks, with losses at Launceston (78–95) and Coburg (81–84), but Beaton Park remained a fortress through June. Illawarra beat Brisbane (90–80), pushed ladder-leaders St Kilda to the brink (100–102), and closed their home campaign with wins over Coburg (87–85) and Bankstown (98–86). The season ended in Brisbane (69–82), where Slacke (12 points) played his usual efficient game while Jones (21 points) and Lewis (16 points) led scoring. Leroy Loggins (24 points) and Brian Banks (20 points) starred for the Bullets as Illawarra again fell short on the road.

Slacke (12.7 points across 22 games) completed his third NBL season as a steady veteran presence, providing mid-range scoring and perimeter balance beside high-usage teammates Jones and Lewis. Jones (30.5 points across 22 games) led the league in scoring and free-throw percentage (87.6%) and claimed NBL MVP honours, while Lewis (20.5 points across 22 games) proved a potent secondary threat.

Illawarra dominated at home (8–3) but struggled mightily away (1–10), finishing ninth of twelve with a 9–13 record. Slacke’s experience was instrumental in holding the backcourt together as Jones’ MVP brilliance and Lewis’ athleticism defined the team’s identity.

1982
Illawarra entered 1982 with its core intact following a 9–13 campaign the year before. Coach Joe Farrugia was replaced with Tom Pottenger, with Benny Lewis (to Coburg), and Alan Yates also exiting. NBL MVP Michael Jones returned and was paried with American forward Alonzo Weatherly, while captain Gordie McLeod, Jim Slacke, Ray Hannett, and several key locals returned to form one of the league’s most stable rosters.

A strong start at Beaton Park saw the Hawks defeat Launceston Casino City (98–91) behind Jones and Weatherly, both making immediate impacts. A heartbreaking one-point loss to Adelaide (87–88) followed, and despite occasional bright spots—such as a 94–83 victory over Sydney—the Hawks endured a rough March, dropping four straight games and losing touch with the top four.

April marked a resurgence, with Illawarra producing its best stretch of basketball for the season. A high-octane 125–103 home win over the Westate Wildcats was followed by a 106–83 demolition of Nunawading, their largest victory margin of the year. These results capped a four-game winning streak that briefly lifted the Hawks back into playoff contention, with Jones, Weatherly, and Slacke all finding offensive rhythm and McLeod steering the backcourt with composure.

The Hawks continued to show flashes of promise through May and June, defeating Coburg (98–93) and grinding out a hard-fought road win at Bankstown (85–81), but inconsistency on the road persisted. Their 89–91 defeat to Canberra in Round 20 summed up a season of near misses, with tight games slipping away late. The team’s final home appearance—a thrilling 92–90 win over the Cannons on July 3—was followed by a tough road finish, dropping consecutive games to St Kilda (87–119) and Nunawading (73–103).

Home dominance (8–5) remained a hallmark, but Illawarra’s 3–10 away record again kept them outside the finals picture. The Hawks closed the season 11–15 and ninth on the ladder, repeating the frustrations of 1981 despite strong individual output from their leading scorers. Jones (23.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) continued to anchor the offense and ranked among the league’s elite big men, while fellow import Weatherly (23.7 points and 9.2 rebounds) gave Illawarra a powerful second option inside. McLeod (10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists) orchestrated the team effectively, and Jim Slacke (16.8 points and 5.0 rebounds) remained a steady, veteran contributor who helped maintain the club’s trademark fight on home soil.

The 1982 season cemented Illawarra’s reputation as one of the NBL’s toughest home sides, though their inability to convert close road contests again left them just short of their first playoff berth.

1983
The Hawks’ season began on a challenging note, with the departure of team captain Gordie McLeod to the Sydney Supersonics and import Alonzo Weatherly returning to the USA.

McLeod’s exit marked the loss of a long-serving playmaker whose leadership had anchored the club since inception.

Charlie Ammit replaced Tom Pottinger as head coach—Illawarra’s fourth coach in four seasons after Adrian Hurley (1980), Joe Farrugia (1981) and Pottinger (1982)—with Mike Jones appointed captain and Tom Penrose assisting.

Retirements also hit the frontcourt, with Ray Hannett and Ted Holcomb stepping away, but to fill the gaps, Illawarra signed import Jerry Steurer to pair with veteran forward Jim Slacke, while teenager Tim Morrissey returned after being left out in 1982 returned, and Simon Cottrell (via Launceston) was added to the frontcourt.

Illawarra’s opener foreshadowed the climb ahead—95–113 at Newcastle—despite Jones (35 points), Simon Cottrell (24) and Steurer (20) producing, with Slacke adding an efficient 12 points (6-of-8 FG).

An eight-game skid followed before the drought finally broke in Round 8 at Beaton Park: Illawarra edged Devonport 102–100 as Slacke delivered his season masterpiece—29 points on 10-of-12 shooting and a perfect 9-of-9 at the stripe, plus 8 rebounds—alongside Jones (33 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Steurer (24 points, 8 rebounds).

Six days later the Warriors reversed the result in Tasmania, underlining the Hawks’ travel woes.

Slacke’s veteran presence steadied a rotating lineup through further turbulence.

In a 71–82 home loss to Bankstown he chipped in 8 points while Steurer posted his season high (31 points on 13-of-22 FG, 5-of-5 FT) and Jones added 22.

Late in the year Illawarra found their best patch: a rare road win over Hobart (89–79) preceded consecutive home thrillers—89–88 over Coburg where Slacke supplied 12 points (5-of-8 FG) as Steurer (31) and Jones (30, 11 rebounds) starred, then 92–90 over Frankston with Slacke’s 15 (6-of-10 FG) supporting Steurer (30) and Jones (25).

In the finale—90–98 to Brisbane—Slacke added 12 while Jones scored 34 and Steurer 22.

Through the upheaval, Jerry Steurer (23.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals) and Michael Jones (32.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals) were electric. Jones leading the NBL in scoring and putting up 30+ points in 16 of 22 games. The other key contributors for the Hawks this season were Slacke (11.0 points, 3.5 rebounds), Tim Morrissey (7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds) and Simon Cottrell (7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds).

Despite the late fight and Slacke’s efficient shot-making and leadership, Illawarra finished 4–18 (seventh, Eastern Division), a season defined by constant change, narrow heartbreaks, and a loyal veteran core keeping the side competitive at home.

1984
After a one-season stint with the Sydney Supersonics, Gordie McLeod returned to Illawarra and reclaimed the captaincy under Charlie Ammit, the first Hawks coach retained for consecutive seasons. Former MVP Michael Jones departed overseas, prompting the recruitment of American seven-footer David McGuire alongside returning import Jerry Steurer.

The Hawks opened with a dominant 119–93 win over Sydney at Beaton Park, led by McLeod (24 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals), Steurer (22 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists), and Tim Morrissey (18 points, 8 rebounds).

After a brief slump, Illawarra steadied with a 97–84 win over St Kilda behind McLeod (21 points, 11 assists), Morrissey (22 points, 8 rebounds), and Steurer (19 points, 12 rebounds). Ten games in, with the Hawks at 5–5, McGuire (16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.1 blocks) was released and replaced by ex-NBA forward Marlon Redmond (29.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists), who exploded for 45 points and 17 rebounds in a 107–103 win over Perth, with Steurer (23 points, 9 rebounds) and McLeod (10 points, 12 assists) in support.

Redmond’s arrival transformed the offense as McLeod (15.9 points, 8.7 assists) controlled tempo, Steurer (23.6 points, 8.2 rebounds) provided balance, and Morrissey (18.7 points, 6.6 rebounds) enjoyed a breakout season. Though limited to seven appearances, Slacke (14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists) delivered reliable scoring and veteran leadership, helping Illawarra finish 13–12—their first winning record and playoff berth—before falling 101–108 to Newcastle in the Elimination Final despite strong showings from Redmond (31 points, 11 rebounds), Steurer (21 points, 9 rebounds), Morrissey (20 points), and McLeod (14 points, 14 assists).

1985
Despite Illawarra coming off their first-ever playoff appearance in 1984, the 1985 campaign began with major change as rising guard Tim Morrissey departed to Canberra and both imports, Jerry Steurer and Marlon Redmond, were not brought back.

New coach Ted Weston replaced long-time mentor Charlie Ammit and reshaped the roster around high-scoring American duo Greg May and Learando “Leonard” Drake, with local rookie Graham Kubank promoted into Morrissey’s vacated forward spot. Captain Gordie McLeod again directed the backcourt, while naturalised veteran Jim Slacke returned as the key experienced scoring presence on the wing, supported by role players including Michael Roodenrys and Ian Bartholomew in a significantly retooled rotation.

The season tipped off at Beaton Park in a 112–116 defeat to the Sydney Supersonics, a free-flowing contest that immediately highlighted both the new frontline and Slacke’s role as a steady scoring option.

May (39 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks on 17-of-21 shooting) dominated in his NBL debut, McLeod (19 points, 15 assists, 3 steals) controlled tempo, Drake (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) added interior production and defensive activity, while Slacke (14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 turnovers) provided supplementary offence on the wing as Illawarra went basket for basket with Sydney before fading in the closing stages.

Five days later the Hawks responded with a statement performance, edging defending champions Brisbane 111–110 in a one-point thriller that underlined how their core could trouble top opposition when locked in.

May (36 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists) and Drake (27 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 turnovers) again carried the heavy scoring load inside, Kubank (19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) delivered a breakout outing in just his second NBL appearance, and Slacke (16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 6 turnovers) hit from the perimeter and drew attention away from the imports as Illawarra held their nerve late to secure their first win of the year.

Illawarra’s inconsistency surfaced quickly and one of the clearest snapshots came in the narrow 96–100 home loss to Perth, a game that showed both how dangerous the Hawks could be offensively and how costly late-game lapses were across the season.

McLeod (22 points, 14 assists, 5 turnovers, 4 steals) produced his season-high scoring return and repeatedly found Drake (40 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block on 17-of-26 shooting) in scoring positions, while May (13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks) added support in the frontcourt. Slacke (8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover) contributed as a secondary option on the wing, but Illawarra again could not complete the job in the final minutes against a disciplined Wildcats outfit.

Across the middle of the season the Hawks alternated between explosive offensive nights and difficult losses. One of Illawarra’s more complete performances came on 14 June in a 109–86 home win over the Melbourne Tigers, where their core rotation all produced strong lines. Drake (35 points, 14 rebounds on 16-of-20 shooting, 6 turnovers, 1 steal) dominated inside, May (22 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block) continued his high-volume scoring, McLeod (8 points, 11 assists, 3 turnovers) dictated pace, and Slacke (19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 2 turnovers) provided reliable scoring and rebounding on the wing as the Hawks controlled the contest from early in the first half.

Illawarra’s most dominant offensive outing arrived on 2 August in a 130–104 demolition of the Hobart Devils at Beaton Park, a game that stands out as Slacke’s signature performance of the 1985 campaign.

With Drake sidelined, the scoring responsibility shifted even more heavily to the remaining starters and Slacke responded with a vintage display, finishing with 42 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal and no turnovers on 18-of-25 shooting and a perfect 6-of-6 from the line. May (32 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists) continued his own scoring surge, Kubank (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block) was effective as a third option, and McLeod (11 points, 17 assists, 4 turnovers, 4 steals) orchestrated everything as Illawarra piled up 57 field goals at 61 percent to overwhelm Hobart in their most potent offensive performance of the season.

The peaks of the year were matched by some heavy defeats, with Slacke still contributing even in games where the margin blew out.

On 18 August Illawarra were overrun 127–97 on the road by Nunawading in a contest that typified the difficulty the Hawks had containing elite offences. Drake (49 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks, 7 turnovers) produced one of the most remarkable individual lines of the season, May (24 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block) again scored at a high clip, and McLeod (4 points, 14 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 steals) continued to create opportunities, while Slacke (14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 4 turnovers) contributed his usual mix of scoring and board work on the wing. Even with the core all registering double figures, Illawarra could not match the Spectres’ balanced attack and 51 made field goals.

Slacke (19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks) produced solid numbers, appearing in all 26 games this season. Other key contributors for the Hawks this season included May (27.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.1 blocks), the team’s primary scoring weapon, Drake (26.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks), Kubank (10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal across 24 games) who  impressed enough in his debut campaign to finish runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award and McLeod (10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 2.8 steals) who led the league in assists.

Illawarra ultimately closed the year at 10–16 and ninth on the NBL ladder, their 6–7 home record and 4–9 road return reflecting the inconsistency that defined the campaign and preventing a return to the postseason.