BIO: Tim Coenraad was born in Brisbane (QLD) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Redlands basketball program.

FAMILY: His grandfather was Louis Farrakhan – the longstanding leader of the Nation of Islam.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Tim Coenraad made his NBL debut with the Wollongong Hawks at 24 years of age. He scored three points in his first game.

The Hawks entered the 2009/10 season with optimism and a renewed vision under first-year head coach Gordie McLeod. The league experienced one of its tightest seasons in history, as Wollongong finished in a three-way tie for second place alongside Townsville and Gold Coast. All three teams concluded the regular season with identical 16–12 records. However, head-to-head results saw the Hawks (5–3) claim the second seed, with the Crocodiles (4–4) in third and the Blaze (3–5) rounding out the playoffs.

The Hawks’ season faced a significant hurdle mid-year when star import Tywain McKee was sidelined after suffering two stress fractures in his lower back. McKee had been instrumental in the team’s early success, averaging 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals before his injury ended his season. To address the void left by McKee, Wollongong signed journeyman guard Luke Martin to see out the remaining 13 games of the regular season. This shift placed greater responsibility on the Hawks’ core of local talent to lead their playoff push.

The team rose to the challenge, led by standout performances from Cam Tragardh (14.7 points and 5.4 rebounds), Glen Saville (10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals), team captain Mat Campbell (10.3 points and 3.0 rebounds), and Larry Davidson (9.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 steals). Davidson’s efforts earned him the Hawks’ MVP award, recognizing his vital contributions on both ends of the court. Rookie forward Tim Coenraad also played an important role off the bench, appearing in all 34 games and averaging 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

The Hawks’ postseason campaign began with a gritty semi-final series against the third-seeded Townsville Crocodiles. Wollongong triumphed in the best-of-three series (2–1) to secure a spot in the NBL Grand Final for the third time in franchise history. Coenraad, despite limited playing time, had his best game in the Game 2 loss, contributing five points and two rebounds. The series set the stage for a showdown with the league’s top-seeded Perth Wildcats (17–11).

Game 1 of the Grand Final, hosted in Perth, saw the Wildcats claim a 75–64 victory. Wildcats guard Kevin Lisch spearheaded the win with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. The series then shifted to Wollongong for Game 2, where the Hawks responded in dominant fashion. Cam Tragardh delivered a stellar 28-point performance on 12-of-20 shooting, while the Hawks’ defense contained Lisch to just 11 points, securing a 75–63 win and forcing a decisive Game 3.

The Grand Final series returned to Perth for the climactic showdown. Despite building an early 11-point lead in the second quarter, the Hawks could not withstand a resurgent Wildcats side led by Lisch. The guard redeemed himself from Game 2 with an outstanding 29-point, 5-rebound effort to propel Perth to a commanding 96–72 victory. The win secured the Wildcats’ fifth NBL Championship, with Lisch earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 18 points and 4 rebounds across the three-game series. Tragardh stood out as the Hawks’ most consistent performer in the finals, while Coenraad managed just one point in the Game 3 loss.

Reflecting on the season, McLeod and the Hawks overcame significant adversity, including McKee’s mid-season injury, to finish as one of the league’s top teams. Their ability to rally behind local talent and the contributions of key players like Davidson, Saville, and Tragardh demonstrated the team’s resilience. Although the championship eluded them, Wollongong’s remarkable journey solidified their place among the NBL’s elite for the 2009/10 campaign.

2010/11
In 2010/11, Gary Ervin led the Wollongong Hawks with standout averages of 20.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals across 27 games. His dynamic playmaking and scoring ability earned him the NBL MVP award, making him the first Hawk to win the prestigious honor since Mike Jones in 1981. Despite Ervin’s exceptional individual performance, the Hawks finished the regular season with a 15–13 record, placing fifth and narrowly missing out on the playoffs.

The Hawks’ success was driven by a balanced team effort alongside Ervin’s brilliance. Oscar Forman (13.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) emerged as a reliable scoring and rebounding option, stretching the floor with his shooting ability. Larry Davidson (9.9 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) anchored the frontcourt, consistently providing strong interior play on both ends of the floor. Glen Saville (9.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists) contributed his trademark versatility, offering scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, while his leadership proved invaluable throughout the season.

Tim Coenraad (8.2 points and 3.1 rebounds) provided scoring depth off the bench, showcasing his ability to hit crucial shots when called upon. Mat Campbell (7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) brought experience and steady perimeter shooting, while Rhys Martin (6.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) added playmaking in limited action, despite being restricted to just 15 games due to injury.

Other contributors included Tyson Demos (5.7 points and 1.9 rebounds), who provided energy and hustle off the bench, and David Gruber (4.6 points and 3.4 rebounds), who offered valuable minutes in the frontcourt rotation. Tim Behrendorff (3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds) and younger players like Zac Delaney and Daniel Jackson also made appearances, though their roles were limited.

2011/12
The 2011/12 season was a challenging one for the Hawks, as they finished in eighth place with a 9–19 record. Tim Coenraad provided steady contributions, averaging 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during the regular season.

2012/13
In 2012/13, Tim Coenraad elevated his performance, averaging 8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. He played a pivotal role in the Hawks’ rotation, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the regular season with a 13–15 record.

2013/14
The 2013/14 season saw Tim Coenraad maintain his consistent production, averaging 8.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. In February 2014, he achieved a career-high 28-point performance against the Adelaide 36ers. Coenraad’s contributions were instrumental in helping the Hawks finish fourth in the regular season with a 13–15 record, earning them a spot in the playoffs.

2014/15
The 2014/15 season was a challenging one for Wollongong. While the Hawks finished the season with a disappointing 6-22 record and missed the playoffs, the campaign was marked by instability both on and off the court, culminating in the Hawks being placed into Voluntary Administration at the end of the season (March 2, 2015). This decision highlighted the financial struggles that loomed over the franchise, underscoring the challenges faced by the organisation as mounting debts and uncertain ownership compounded the team’s on-court difficulties.

The team was led in scoring by import guards Jahii Carson (14.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) and Gary Ervin (14.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists). Rhys Martin (9.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) also played a pivotal role in the backcourt, delivering the best season of his career while leading the team in steals with 1.5 per contest.

Despite the team’s struggles on the court, Tim Coenraad (10.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) provided consistent efforts on both ends of the floor and was named the Hawks’ Most Valuable Player for the season.

In the frontcourt, Oscar Forman (9.2 points and 5.2 rebounds), Luke Nevill (7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds), and Larry Davidson (5.9 points and 5.8 rebounds) made solid contributions.

On February 13, 2015, Adam Ballinger (4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds) announced his decision to retire at the end of the season. Ballinger had rejoined the Hawks for a second stint after being released by Melbourne just weeks before the NBL opening round, leaving him with no option but to sign with Illawarra, the only team that had a roster spot available for minimal wage. In his final NBL game, he started in place of Larry Davidson, recording 9 points and 5 rebounds in a loss to Ballinger’s former team, the Adelaide 36ers.

2015/16
Following the departure of long-time coach Gordie McLeod, Rob Beveridge was appointed head coach of the Wollongong Hawks for the 2015/16 season. Beveridge made significant roster changes in his first season, signing AJ Ogilvy, Kirk Penney, and Kevin Lisch, all of whom had been playing in Europe the previous year. The trio, nicknamed “the three-headed monster,” brought high expectations to the team, but a knee injury to Lisch in the opening game of the season limited their time on the court together during the first month.

Lisch made his return with a strong performance, contributing 15 points and 7 rebounds in a loss to his former team, the Perth Wildcats (106–99). By December, Lisch was in full form, leading the Hawks to five wins in six games and earning NBL Player of the Month honors. During this stretch, Lisch averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. His standout performance came in a double-overtime victory against the New Zealand Breakers (103–96) in Auckland, where he scored a career-high 40 points. Four days later, Lisch marked his 150th NBL game, though the Hawks fell to Perth once again.

Illawarra concluded the regular season in third place with a 17–11 record, setting up a semi-final series against the second-seeded Perth Wildcats. In Game 1, the Hawks faced a major setback when Lisch suffered a left ankle injury late in the first quarter. He did not return to the game and reappeared on the bench in the second half wearing a moon boot and using crutches. Without Lisch, the Hawks were overpowered, losing the game in Perth (80–68).

In Game 2, Lisch remained sidelined, but the Hawks rallied on their home court, defeating the Wildcats (76–70) to force a deciding third game. Ogilvy was instrumental in the win, dominating inside with 22 points and 9 rebounds. The series then returned to Perth for Game 3. Despite Lisch returning to the lineup, the Wildcats proved too strong, defeating the Hawks (89–74) to advance to the Grand Final and eliminating Illawarra from the playoffs.

The Hawks’ strong regular season was reflected in the league’s awards. Penney was named to the All-NBL Second Team, while both Ogilvy and Lisch earned All-NBL First Team honors. Ogilvy averaged 16.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s best big men. Lisch, meanwhile, added to his accolades by winning the Best Defensive Player award and capturing his second NBL MVP title, making him only the second player in league history to win the award with two different teams.

The 2015/16 season marked a significant turnaround for the Hawks under Beveridge’s leadership. Despite their semi-final exit, the team’s resurgence and the individual brilliance of players like Lisch and Ogilvy provided a strong foundation for future success.

2016/17
The 2016/17 off-season was a challenging one for the Illawarra Hawks, starting with the departure of key players. Kevin Lisch, the reigning NBL MVP, was lured away by a lucrative contract from rivals Sydney Kings, a deal that far exceeded what the Hawks could afford. Additionally, veteran sharpshooter Kirk Penney opted to return to his native New Zealand to play for the Breakers, leaving significant gaps in Illawarra’s roster.

In response, head coach Rob Beveridge moved quickly to rebuild the team. He targeted Mitch Norton and Nick Kay, both of whom were highly sought after by multiple NBL clubs following the Townsville Crocodiles’ demise after the 2015/16 season. Despite receiving higher financial offers elsewhere, the duo chose Illawarra on the recommendation of former Crocodiles coach Shawn Dennis, who emphasized Beveridge’s coaching pedigree. Both players signed two-year deals with the Hawks in April 2016.

To replace Lisch, Beveridge brought back former Hawk and NBL MVP Rotnei Clarke, who rejoined the team as a marquee signing. Clarke was paired with import Marvelle Harris to form a dynamic backcourt, while the Hawks retained core players Oscar Forman, Tim Coenraad, Rhys Martin, and Kevin White, ensuring continuity amidst the roster overhaul.

The Hawks struggled early in the season as the new-look squad took time to gel. After the first four rounds, they were at the bottom of the NBL ladder. However, behind the high-scoring Clarke, who averaged 17 points per game, Illawarra rallied in the second half of the season. A strong finish allowed them to secure a playoff spot, narrowly claiming fourth place by a single game. Tim Coenraad contributed solidly throughout the regular season, averaging 7.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.

In the semi-finals, the Hawks faced the top-seeded Adelaide 36ers, who had dominated the regular season. Adelaide easily won Game 1 (93–78), with Jerome Randle leading the way with 26 points and 4 assists. However, the Hawks staged a remarkable upset by winning the next two games to take the series. In Game 2, Illawarra edged Adelaide in a high-scoring contest (100–94), setting up a decisive Game 3. Clarke was instrumental in the series-clinching victory, scoring 20 points as the Hawks triumphed 106–98, ending Adelaide’s season in dramatic fashion.

The Grand Final series pitted the Hawks against Beveridge’s former team, the Perth Wildcats, who were seeking their eighth NBL championship. Perth dominated the series, sweeping the Hawks in three straight games. In Game 1, Defensive Player of the Year Damian Martin smothered Clarke, limiting him to just eight shots. Meanwhile, Bryce Cotton emerged as the star of the series, delivering one of the greatest individual performances in NBL Finals history with a record-setting 45 points in Game 3. Cotton’s heroics secured Perth’s championship and earned him the NBL Finals MVP award.

While the season ended in disappointment for the Hawks, their resilient playoff run and the contributions of players like Rotnei Clarke, Mitch Norton, and Nick Kay demonstrated the potential of Beveridge’s new-look squad.

2017/18
Following the departure of import duo Marvelle Harris and Michael Holyfield, coach Rob Beveridge secured the return of former NBL MVP Rotnei Clarke, while adding two seasoned imports, Demitrius Conger and Delvon Johnson.

Demitrius Conger (19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals) delivered an outstanding season. Beveridge described the off-season moves as critical to maintaining the Hawks’ competitiveness, referring to Conger as, “I always said we needed a stud three-man, and I feel very confident that we’ve found him.” Conger’s ability to score from all areas of the court, coupled with his defensive prowess and athleticism, established him as one of the league’s premier players. Beveridge even compared Conger’s versatility to Hawks legend Glen Saville.

Rotnei Clarke (18 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) provided crucial scoring and leadership, particularly in tight contests. His sharpshooting and clutch play bolstered the Hawks’ offensive arsenal, helping them remain competitive in a fiercely contested league.

The Hawks were on track to make the playoffs before an incident mid-season that saw Conger receive a striking charge for a hit on Sydney Kings forward Brad Newley during a hard screen. Conger’s suspension for two games proved costly, as Illawarra lost both contests and ultimately finished in fifth place with a 12-16 record, narrowly missing the playoffs by a single win.

Conger’s overall impact on the season remained undeniable, as he finished second in league MVP voting and earned All-NBL First Team honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top talents.

Delvon Johnson (4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks) underperformed relative to expectations, drawing criticism from both media and fans, with calls for his replacement surfacing mid-season.

Other key contributors included Nicholas Kay (11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists), AJ Ogilvy (9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks), Mitchell Norton (7.8 points and 2.2 assists), and Tim Coenraad (6.9 points and 3 rebounds). Kevin White (2.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) was named captain, providing leadership and defensive intensity, while Oscar Forman (3.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists) played in his final NBL season, offering veteran presence and guidance to the team.

2018/19
The 2018/19 season marked a period of transition for the Illawarra Hawks, as they sought to rebuild following the departure of key players. The team lost Demitrius Conger (to Serbia), Rotnei Clarke (to Greece), Nicholas Kay (to Perth), and Delvon Johnson (to Slovakia), while veterans Cody Ellis and Rhys Martin both retired. In response, the Hawks added a mix of experience and youth, bringing in Jordair Jett (via NZNBL), Brian Conklin (via France), David Andersen (via Melbourne), Cedric Jackson (via the USA), and rookies Emmett Naar and Daniel Grida. Retaining core players AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad, Nic Pozoglou, and captain Kevin White, Illawarra aimed to remain competitive in a fiercely contested NBL.

Illawarra began the season with a dramatic quadruple-overtime thriller against Melbourne United, narrowly losing 123–122 in one of the most exciting games in NBL history. They followed this heartbreaking defeat with a heavy loss to the Perth Wildcats (101–61) but rebounded strongly with a road win over Cairns (104–93). A brief two-game win streak in October saw them defeat Brisbane (86–78) and Adelaide (120–109), momentarily climbing to fifth place in the standings. However, inconsistency plagued the team as the season progressed. In November, the Hawks endured a four-game losing streak, including defeats to Perth (90–81), Sydney (81–90), and Adelaide (104–79). Despite flashes of potential, Illawarra struggled to maintain momentum and ultimately missed the playoffs, finishing seventh with a 12–16 record.

Offensively, Brian Conklin (14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) led the Hawks with his scoring ability and physicality in the paint. Todd Blanchfield (13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) provided consistent perimeter shooting and reliable scoring, earning him the Hawks’ MVP award for the season. Jordair Jett (11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) contributed at both ends of the court, with standout performances including a 22-point game against Cairns (21 October 2018) and an 18-point, 7-assist effort against Adelaide (25 November 2018).

AJ Ogilvy (9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) anchored the defense while providing steady contributions on offense. Tim Coenraad (8.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists) remained a key figure, delivering standout performances such as an 18-point, 6-rebound game against Sydney (5 January 2019) and a 15-point, 6-rebound, and 4-assist outing against New Zealand (14 February 2019). David Andersen (8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists) brought veteran leadership and a scoring touch, while Cedric Jackson (7.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists) added experience in the backcourt.

Illawarra’s younger players also showed promise, with Daniel Grida (5.1 points and 1.8 rebounds) and Emmett Naar (4.2 points and 3 assists) gaining valuable experience throughout the season. Captain Kevin White (3.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) provided leadership and defensive intensity, though his offensive contributions were limited.

Despite strong individual performances from key players, the Hawks’ inability to sustain consistent play throughout the season left them just short of a playoff berth.

2019/20
Illawarra entered the 2019/20 NBL season with significant hype, largely due to the signing of LaMelo Ball through the league’s Next Stars program. Ball’s arrival, announced live on ESPN’s The Jump, brought unprecedented global attention to the team and shattered NBL viewership records, including nearly two million Facebook viewers for his debut against Brisbane on October 6, 2019. Alongside Ball, the Hawks secured former NBA players Aaron Brooks and Josh Boone (via Melbourne), raising expectations for a competitive season. The team also retained key veterans Todd Blanchfield, AJ Ogilvy, and long-serving stalwart Tim Coenraad, whose leadership and versatility remained crucial in what would become a challenging campaign.

The season began with promise, as the Hawks opened with a competitive 90–81 loss to Brisbane. Brooks led the charge with 23 points, while Ball debuted with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing his all-around game despite shooting struggles (6-of-17). Ball’s playmaking and potential shone early, highlighted by back-to-back triple-doubles against Cairns and New Zealand in November. In a thrilling overtime victory against Cairns, Ball tallied 32 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, including a clutch three-pointer to force the extra period. He followed this historic performance with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists against New Zealand, becoming the first player in the NBL’s 40-minute era to record consecutive triple-doubles.

However, the Hawks’ season was soon derailed by injuries to key players. In Round 6, Aaron Brooks (17.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists) tore his Achilles against Perth, ending his season and career. Brooks had been instrumental in mentoring Ball and providing leadership in the backcourt, and his absence placed greater pressure on the 18-year-old. Ball’s campaign was also cut short in December due to a foot injury. Initially staying in Illawarra to rehabilitate, Ball left the team with four games remaining in the season to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft. His 17 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists across 12 games earned him the NBL Rookie of the Year award, cementing his status as a future NBA star.

Amidst the turmoil, Tim Coenraad stepped up as a steadying presence for the team. Playing in all 28 games, Coenraad averaged 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. While Ball and Brooks drew much of the spotlight, Coenraad’s reliability and versatility were crucial in a roster plagued by inconsistency. His ability to adapt to various roles, whether as a scorer, rebounder, or mentor to younger players, exemplified his professionalism. Coenraad’s contributions were particularly significant as the team leaned on its veterans to guide a young and inexperienced core during Ball’s absence.

The Hawks’ younger players showed flashes of potential throughout the season. Sam Froling (6 points and 3.4 rebounds) displayed growth despite missing 11 games due to injury, while Angus Glover (5.2 points and 2.3 rebounds) overcame a history of setbacks to provide valuable minutes. Emmett Naar (5.6 points and 3.6 assists) stepped up in the backcourt, and Coenraad often served as a mentor to these emerging talents.

Todd Blanchfield (13.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) emerged as the team’s primary scoring option following Brooks’ departure. His consistent performances earned him the Hawks’ MVP award for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Josh Boone (8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds) and David Andersen (6.6 points and 2.6 rebounds) provided veteran leadership, though their impact was limited by the team’s broader struggles.

Despite individual highlights, the Hawks finished last in the league with a 5–23 record, enduring a 10-game losing streak to close the season. The team’s match against Sydney in Round 7 set an NBL attendance record with 17,514 fans at Qudos Bank Arena, underscoring Ball’s immense star power. However, injuries, roster instability, and financial challenges ultimately defined the Hawks’ campaign. As head coach Matt Flinn summarized: “Success is measured in different ways. While we’re not happy with our record, we’re proud of the progress made and the exposure brought to the club.”

2020/21
In April 2020, the Hawks’ season began with the team falling into voluntary administration, with creditors voting to liquidate the club one month later. The NBL, however, vowed to keep the team alive, and on June 17, 2020, the league announced that Dorry Kordahi, Bryan Colangelo, and Michael Proctor had been awarded the license for the club.

Under the agreement with the new ownership, the team was renamed The Hawks in an effort to broaden its appeal across New South Wales. Shortly after, Brian Goorjian, Australia’s most successful NBL coach, was announced as the team’s new head coach. With all player contracts requiring renewal under the new ownership, only Sam Froling and Emmett Naar returned from the previous season’s roster. The club aimed to rebuild its squad with high-profile signings, including Deng Adel, who had a brief stint with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, and Cam Bairstow, a former Chicago Bull who had recently played in Lithuania. Both players were part of the Australian Boomers squad. The roster was further bolstered by Next Star Justinian Jessup, signed on a two-year deal, and imports Tyler Harvey and Justin Simon, who were brought in to anchor the offense and defense, respectively.

The Hawks’ season began with plenty of off-court drama. Fan-favorite players AJ Ogilvy and Tim Coenraad were initially left off the roster but were later added as injury replacements after Cam Bairstow and Daniel Grida suffered significant injuries. Ogilvy was named team captain upon rejoining the full roster. Additionally, the omission of “Illawarra” from the team’s name sparked outrage among local fans, dominating headlines in Wollongong and overshadowing the team’s impressive 4-0 start to the season. Following a campaign by the ownership group to boost membership and corporate support, the NBL reinstated the Illawarra name in February ahead of the club’s first home game.

While the Hawks fought to reclaim their identity, they faced several on-court challenges. Cam Bairstow, who had missed nine games with a hip injury, was ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Deng Adel struggled to make an impact, averaging just 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2 assists. Adel requested a mid-season release from his contract, citing concerns about his future NBA prospects.

Despite these setbacks, the Hawks hit their stride from Round 16, winning eight of their final ten games to secure their first postseason appearance since 2017. Scoring proved challenging throughout the season, as the Hawks’ scoring average dropped from 90.5 points in their first ten games to a league-low 81.5 points per game by season’s end. Only four players averaged double digits in scoring: Tyler Harvey (20 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.4 steals), Justinian Jessup (13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists), Cam Bairstow (11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds), and Sam Froling (11.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks). The team also finished with the league’s lowest field goal percentage at 42.5%, including 33.2% from beyond the arc, and struggled at the free-throw line, shooting just 69.4%.

Tim Coenraad played a crucial role despite limited appearances. He filled the void left by Bairstow’s injury and took the court in 11 games, averaging 5.5 points and 2.4 rebounds while leading the league in three-point shooting at 46.4%. Coenraad’s veteran presence was vital during the team’s late-season surge, providing stability and leadership alongside AJ Ogilvy, who averaged 4.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game as the team’s starting center.

The Hawks finished the regular season in third place with a 20-16 record, never falling below fifth place despite their challenges. In the semifinals, they faced the defending champion Perth Wildcats. During the regular season, the Hawks had managed only one victory over Perth, a two-point win in Round 21. Illawarra opened the playoff series with another two-point victory in Game 1 but lost Games 2 and 3 by eight-point margins, ending their playoff run. Despite falling short of a championship, the Hawks’ resilience and return to postseason play marked a significant step forward for the franchise.

2021/22
After nearly knocking off the Perth Wildcats in NBL21 and progressing to the semifinals, the Illawarra Hawks entered the 2021/22 season with high expectations. Tyler Harvey, the team’s leading scorer from the previous season, signed a three-year extension, while the Hawks added import talents Antonius Cleveland and Travis Trice. However, Trice was released from his contract before the season due to his refusal to receive the COVID vaccine. Xavier Rathan-Mayes was signed as his replacement. Additional acquisitions included Harry Froling (via Brisbane), joining his brother Sam in Hawks colors, and Duop Reath (via Serbia), who arrived following an impressive Boomers campaign at the Tokyo Olympics.

Reath hit the ground running, averaging 19.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in his first four games, establishing himself as a dominant force in the league. Tyler Harvey, however, faced a more challenging second season, with his scoring average dipping to 16.1 points per game after averaging 20.4 the previous year. Despite the decline, Harvey remained Illawarra’s leading scorer and a pivotal figure in the backcourt.

Club legend Tim Coenraad (3.9 points and 2.2 rebounds) was initially left off the full roster but was later called upon as an injury replacement. He was subsequently elevated to the main roster after Daniel Grida suffered a season-ending knee injury. Coenraad’s veteran presence and ability to step in when needed proved invaluable throughout the season.

Other notable contributors included Justinian Jessup (13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals), who showed significant improvement in his second season, and Sam Froling (8.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks), who overcame an injury-plagued NBL21 campaign to play a key role in the frontcourt. Cleveland, meanwhile, emerged as a two-way force, providing consistent scoring, rebounding, and elite defense.

Illawarra finished the regular season in second place with a 19-9 record, securing a strong playoff position. Duop Reath (15.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks) was named the team’s MVP, while Antonius Cleveland (14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks) won the Damian Martin Trophy for Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-NBL First Team. However, the Hawks’ season ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the semifinals by cross-town rivals, the Sydney Kings.

2022/23
After two consecutive seasons of reaching the NBL semifinals, the Illawarra Hawks underwent significant changes ahead of the 2022/23 season. Head coach Brian Goorjian departed to take up a position with the Bay Area Dragons in the newly formed East Asia Super League. His long-time assistant, Jacob Jackomas, was promoted to head coach, tasked with continuing the team’s recent success. However, a mass exodus of talent followed Goorjian’s departure. Key players Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling were the only members of the main rotation to remain with the team. Duop Reath and Justinian Jessup moved overseas to Lebanon and Spain, respectively, while Antonius Cleveland signed with Adelaide, Xavier Rathan-Mayes joined Melbourne, and Harry Froling moved to Brisbane. Longtime Hawk AJ Ogilvy also announced his retirement.

Illawarra sought to rebuild with the addition of local talents Deng Deng (via Brisbane) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (via Perth), while Mangok Mathiang joined the team after recovering from a long-term injury. Imports Justin Robinson and George King rounded out the roster, while club veteran Tim Coenraad was signed to a one-year deal as an injury replacement player.

The Hawks opened the season by splitting their first two games, falling to Sydney (97–106) before defeating South East Melbourne (85–72), led by a strong performance from Tyler Harvey (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists). However, the team’s fortunes quickly turned as injuries began to mount. Justin Robinson suffered a meniscus tear in his knee during the season opener, requiring surgery and ruling him out for the year. Kevin White was brought in as a short-term injury replacement, but the team struggled to find consistency. Nine games later, Illawarra released George King (10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists), who was unable to recover from a lingering lower leg injury.

Former New Zealand Breakers guard Peyton Siva (9.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.6 steals) was signed to replace Robinson but managed only 11 games before a season-ending shoulder injury against Adelaide added to the team’s woes. By mid-November, the Hawks found themselves on a nine-game losing streak with a 1–9 record. Forced to rely on players such as Lachie Dent (4.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (4.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists), and injury replacement Davo Hickey (4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals), Illawarra struggled to stay competitive. In an effort to bolster their roster, the team signed former Perth Wildcats import Michael Frazier II.

In December, the Hawks snapped their losing streak with a 93–79 victory over Melbourne. Sam Froling dominated the game with 29 points, scoring 16 in the first quarter on an efficient 64% shooting. Michael Frazier II (16 points) and Tyler Harvey (15 points) also contributed key performances in the win. However, the joy was short-lived, as Frazier suffered a broken arm after just eight games and was ruled out for the rest of the season. At the time of his injury, Frazier was the team’s highest scorer, averaging 17.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

The Hawks would not win another game until the third-to-last match of the season, defeating New Zealand 78–76. Tyler Harvey delivered a clutch performance, scoring 25 points and sealing the victory with a match-winning heave in the final seconds. Mangok Mathiang (15 points and 5 rebounds) also played a significant role in the win.

Illawarra finished the season with a 3–25 record, the worst in the club’s history. Tyler Harvey led the team in scoring, averaging 18.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. Sam Froling (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) earned the team’s MVP award, cementing his place as a key figure in the Hawks’ future. Tim Coenraad appeared in 24 games, averaging 2.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. Following the final game of the season against the Tasmania JackJumpers, Coenraad announced his retirement after 14 seasons, all with the Illawarra Hawks. The game marked his 373rd and final NBL appearance.

Coenraad retired as one of the league’s most reliable sharpshooters, finishing his career with an impressive near-40% accuracy from three-point range. His 373 games for Illawarra rank third in club history, behind only Glen Saville (527) and Mat Campbell (524).

Tim Coenraad played fourteen seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Wollongong Hawks and the Illawarra Hawks. He averaged 7.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 371 NBL games.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (817 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.