From Mackay to Illawarra: A Championship Reflection.

Looking back on the past twelve months, I’m filled with immense gratitude and a deep sense of achievement.

Capturing the 2024 NBL1 North championship with the Mackay Meteors is a moment I’ll remember forever. To then go on to win the 2025 NBL crown with the Illawarra Hawks—well, it still feels like a dream.

With the roster we had at the Meteors, it was clear that it was a championship-or-bust situation. But from day one, with a strong emphasis on culture, consistency and connection, I knew we had the potential to achieve something remarkable.

Role clarity was essential. With a group this talented, success depended on everyone putting team goals above personal accolades. Sacrificing ego wasn’t optional—it was the foundation of what we built together.

This team didn’t just chase wins—we played for each other and for the legacy we wanted to create. The support from the club and community was incredible. Every home game had a pulse, an energy that lifted us. Our players fed off that atmosphere and it showed in our performance. Finishing with a 10 & 1 home record, we turned the Crater into a true fortress.

On the road, it was all business. While the travel gave us a chance to grow closer off the court, our professionalism never wavered. We embraced the pressure of being the team to beat, knowing every opponent was bringing their best. Though I was disappointed we couldn’t finish the road slate unbeaten—ending 8 & 1—that single loss served as a reality check. It reminded us we weren’t untouchable and sharpened our focus moving forward.

We entered the NBL1 North finals with a quiet confidence. Securing home court advantage throughout added an extra layer of belief, but it didn’t make us complacent. Our preparation was relentless. Scouting was taken to another level, and our coaching staff did an outstanding job making sure every training session matched the intensity we expected from our opponents.

Throughout my coaching journey, I’ve come to learn that, in many cases, the pressure of winning a semifinal outweighs even that of a Grand Final. Southern Districts Spartans gave us a real battle, but in the end, we came out on top with a hard-fought 100–90 win—punching our ticket to the Grand Final, a best-of-three series against the Brisbane Capitals.

We had taken care of the Capitals 92–73 earlier in the regular season, but we knew they were a different team by the time the Grand Final rolled around. The series came down to matchups and there were key areas where we felt we had the edge. Offensively, our pace was designed to challenge their D-trans, while on the other end, our defensive versatility allowed us to throw multiple looks at their elite pick-and-roll game and floor spacing.

In Game 1, we controlled the tempo for most of the contest. As expected, they made their runs—good teams always do—but we absorbed the pressure and made the necessary adjustments. Our 91–79 win was a testament to our defensive focus and with the quick turnaround to Game 2 the following night, recovery became just as crucial as preparation.

There are always nerves heading into a Grand Final close-out game and we opened Game 2 with a few uncharacteristic mistakes. But we regrouped quickly and found our rhythm in the second half. Big-time plays from our marquee players helped steady the ship and our offensive execution in key moments led to crucial baskets. Defensively, our endurance and physicality shone through. The group was conditioned to push through fatigue—thanks to a high-performance program that had been fuelling us since day one of the pre-season.

When the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard read 102–80, we were officially NBL1 North Champions—a season of dominance brought to its rightful conclusion. The emotions were a mix of relief and exhilaration. Relief in meeting the expectations that had followed us all year, and pure joy for the players and staff who were tasting championship glory for the very first time. This wasn’t just another title—it was the result of countless hours refining our system, a moment that etched our names into Mackay Basketball history.

2024 NBL1 North Champions - Mackay Meteors. Picture: Kieron Place.

There was no downtime between seasons as the NBL1 campaign transitioned straight into NBL25 and a new quest with the Illawarra Hawks. It was a step up to the national stage—an opportunity to contribute over a full season at the pinnacle of Australian professional basketball. Different coaching roles come with different responsibilities and I was excited to be back in the Gong once again, working alongside Head Coach Justin Tatum (JT).

JT leads the Hawks with a rare blend of authenticity and the innate ability to inspire confidence in those around him. His coaching presence—undeniably one of the most distinctive in Australia—sets the tone for the entire group. A firm believer in collaboration, he genuinely values the input of his coaching staff, which empowered me to lean into my strengths: attention to detail, a commitment to building a strong defensive identity and an unrelenting drive to win.

The NBL is filled with exceptional talent and each game brought its own set of challenges. But with a shared vision and a connected group of players, both on and off the court, we gained momentum as the season progressed.

No championship is achieved without facing adversity. While many external experts doubted our potential, belief within our locker room remained unshaken. Our core was united — a perfect blend of experienced veterans hungry for a title and young, rising talent eager to make an impact. With our system, chemistry and depth, we knew we could compete with anyone.

As the playoffs neared, the intensity grew. Finishing the regular season at 20 & 9 - Minor Premiers — a first in Hawks history — was a major achievement, especially in such a fiercely competitive league. We had been tested along the way, and we were ready for the finals challenge.

Fast forward and the Melbourne Grand Final series was an absolute battle—gruelling, intense and emotionally charged from start to finish. Game 5, in particular, will always stand out in my memory, filled with unforgettable moments and storylines. Ultimately, it was a 114-104 victory on our home court, a win that will be remembered for years to come, and a title that truly belonged to the entire Illawarra community.

When we clinched the 2025 NBL Championship, it felt like the consolidation of a pursuit that spanned two teams, two leagues and two unforgettable locker rooms. It reinforced that success at any level is built on the same core principles: culture, effort and belief.

2025 NBL Champions - Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Sam Tolhurst.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact I’ve had, but I’m even more excited about the future. Whether you’re coaching junior basketball on a Saturday morning, or at the NBL level, the goal is always the same — help players reach their highest potential and build something lasting.

If there’s one lesson I’ve taken from this most recent pursuit, it’s that basketball is about more than just winning. It’s about the people, the passion and the purpose behind it all. And in both Mackay and Illawarra, I found all three.