Hawks, Jackomas part ways

The Illawarra Hawks have parted ways with head coach Jacob Jackomas effective immediately following the side’s 2-7 start to NBL24. 

Former assistant Jackomas took the reigns upon the departure of legendary head coach Brian Goorjian ahead of NBL23, where an injury crisis saw the Hawks register a record-low 3-25 win/loss record.

Overall, he took charge of the club for a total of 38 games and won six during his tenure (he coached one game during the 2021/22 season).

“These decisions are never taken lightly, and on behalf of the club, I want to thank Jacob for all his hard work during his time at the Hawks and wish him well in his future coaching endeavours," Hawks General Manager of Basketball Mat Campbell said.

"Unfortunately, our performances over the first nine games of the NBL24 season, following a challenging NBL23 campaign, have not met the club's expectations, and we agreed that Jacob should finish his duties."

“I would like to thank Jacob for the work ethic and professionalism he brought with him daily during his time with the Hawks,” Hawks CEO Stu Taggart added.

“The club remains firmly committed to building a basketball program and an organisation focused on sustained performance and success. The leadership of the team and the direction the team is taking are the responsibilities of the head coach, and the club must take a different path now, without delay.”

Hawks assistant coach Justin Tatum has been named as interim head coach while the club commences its search for a new head coach.

Tatum was initially brought into the organisation as North American scout and Special Advisor to Basketball Operations, and has served as associate head coach of Global Women’s Basketball Association team St. Louis. His son, Jayson Tatum, is a four-time NBA All-Star with the Boston Celtics.