I think Hodgson is contracted. In place of Holyfield, they could try Jacobsen or McKay from other teams. Otherwise agree, keep mostly the same and replace two imports.

They don't appear to be rushing to keep Coenraad and Forman but IMO should keep both and focus on imports after that.

Good call Isaac. I would LOVE McKay if we could afford him!

Jacobsen would be interesting. Think Bevo was the one criticising him for cheap shots. I still wonder why 6ers would not bring him back. Was crucial this season and has massive upside.

With that squad you wouldn't make the finals...

No one ever thinks we can make the playoffs.
If I thought we could realistically afford to pay a bigger dollar import back up 5 I'd say we go for it...
But with lots of our dollars tied to Clarke & Ogilvy a big banger that can be a presence is probably the best we're going to get.

Big Mike is also outstanding with the community and kids in the region, thus why I'd be happy with him as 10th or 11th man in the rotation. He is only young too, so I see the light that he could develop in to a solid NBL 5 in couple of years.

"With that squad you wouldn't make the finals..."

Thats rather odd given they not only made the Grand Finals they had to go through the Sixers to do it.

The most obvious improvements are at the import 2 and 5.

After a good start Marvelle went quiet for the second half of the year. Had a good series against the Sixers then his two GF games were forgettable (we can understand those given his loss).

Holyfield was overall disappointing.

Improve on those positions and the Hawks can get to the GF again and not be swept.

All they need is an upgrade at the import three spot. A player who can defend, rebound and at least look like hitting an outside shot. Once teams worked Harris out they just backed off and he couldn't get to the rim as easily.

A player with a similar skill set to Torrey Craig would be sensational. Remember Craig was a budget import as well so they are out there for a reasonable price.

That type of player would plug so many holes and make the Hawks genuine contenders again.

While I understand Holyfield might tick a lot of boxes with his attitude it would be better to have a back up big who can catch, not travel and finish on something other than dunks. Holyfield takes so long to react once he gets the ball that even a lot of his dunk attempts are challenged and blocked.

Bevo must be kicking himself he let Sobey go last season.

If Boone plays NBL it will surely be with UTD.

What about Jaron Johnson?

Great defensive energy, can hit a 3, fit as.... perfect?!?!?!

Yes?

"The most obvious improvements are at the import 2 and 5."

I take it that's a joke or not our mean the three spot. Rotnei Clarke is one of the best SGs going around. But yes, a better SF and back-up C and they will have a very dangerous team.

Interesting comparison with Torrey Craig, as apart from some breakout games he had a pretty average first season, much like Marvelle Harris.

"I take it that's a joke or not our mean the three spot. Rotnei Clarke is one of the best SGs going around."

It wasn't a joke. When I said import 2 I meant Marvelle Harris. Clarke is contracted already.

I considered an Import 3 but they already have Ceonraad who is very serviceable. But if Coenraad is happy to start from the bench, an Import 3 would be great too.

They did make the finals this year but i'm expecting the standard of the league to be even better next year.

Blanchfield would have been such a perfect fit at Illawarra...

I think Glover was heading to St Marys...

I think Glover was heading to St Marys...

"I considered an Import 3 but they already have Ceonraad who is very serviceable."

They recruited Harris as an import three and started him there for most of the season with Coenraad as his back-up.

I doubt they'll go for another import two given Clarke's talent, but an upgrade on Harris at SF, or even him just improving after his rookie season will hold them in good stead.

Agree it's important they keep Coenraad, a quality contributor even when he's not hot like he was at times in the playoffs.

@Air Delay, Glover recently pulled out of his commitment to the Gaels. He's going to turn pro in the NBL after the upcoming Nike Hoop Summit and SEABL stint.

Since he's going to be a full-fledged free agent, can't just slot him in as a DP. He's probably giving Bevo a bit of a headache with roster spot this time and maybe even budget-wise. You better hope that rich neighbour up the highway somehow retain McDowell-White :).