Frazier II’s Big Promise

After a stuttering season with the Perth Wildcats last season, new Illawarra Hawks signing Michael Frazier II has assured fans they'll see the real version of him in NBL23.

After struggling with form in the opening stanza of NBL22 for Perth, the Wildcats made no secret of their desire to make an import change midway through the campaign at the expense of Frazier - a change that never eventuated when John Brown III wasn't cleared in time despite being with the team.

The 28-year-old has joined the Hawks as a replacement for injured forward George King, who has flown back to the United States for treatment on a long-term ankle injury.

Frazier says he is keen to showcase his true abilities and help the Hawks bounce back from their 1-9 start to the new season.

“I think that people will get to see me, last year they didn’t get to see Michael Frazier,” he said.

“I feel good, I’ve been in the league for a year now, I know how the league is played. I think my game fits the solid play, definitely I can help this club win.

“I can shoot the ball, I can make plays for others, I’m a great defender, I can rebound the ball. I think just having me out on the floor, people will get a chance to see me.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can Michael Frazier II provide a spark to help lift the <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@illawarrahawks</a>? ??<a href="https://t.co/I6nhi9V3hU">https://t.co/I6nhi9V3hU</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1595195420568961024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added the reception he's received from all corners of the club has solidified the strong culture he had heard was present amongst the playing group.

“It’s been great, everybody’s been great trying to integrate me into the system, making sure I’m settled in and I’m comfortable,” he said.

“Defensively I want to come in and help get stops, and that way we can get out and run, get shots and score the ball.

“We’ve got some people that can put the ball through the hole so I want to come in and focus on the defensive end of the floor and the offense will take care of itself.

“This is a really good group, the attitude and energy of the club is great even though the record doesn’t show it for people outside looking in, but just being here the last two days, I know that this is a winning energy.

“Being a Hawk, there’s great history and great culture here and I can tell just from being here the last couple days it’s a family atmosphere, it’s an enjoyable environment to be in and I’m very excited to become a Hawk.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MICHAEL FRAZIER MIXTAPE ?? <br><br>This and more of what we can expect from our new wingman ?‍? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hawknation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hawknation</a> <a href="https://t.co/CA2usaA3vc">pic.twitter.com/CA2usaA3vc</a></p>&mdash; Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks/status/1594853819447640064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hawks coach Jacob Jackomas echoed Frazier's comments, and added that appeasing the loyal Hawks fanbase was a big factor in signing the former Wildcat.

“We do need something for the team and we do need something for our fans to keep them going with us,” he said.

The Hawks are off to Melbourne on Sunday to go head-to-head with the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 4:00pm AEDT.