"It's Bull***t": Jackomas Slams Unfair Critics

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

If Sunday's Freeway Series clash proved anything, it's that any team can win on any given day in NBL23.

Key points
- Jacob Jackomas has hit back at criticism of his team, after a much-improved performance.
- The Hawks have been battered by injury, but will regain Peyton Siva and Michael Frazier shortly.
- George King recently headed back to the US with a season-ending injury.

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If Sunday's Freeway Series clash proved anything, it's that any team can win on any given day in NBL23.

Who would have given the 1-8 Illawarra Hawks a chance against the 7-2 Sydney Kings leading into a match in enemy territory? It shows just how even the NBL is, and just how much that famous rivalry means to Jacob Jackomas and his team.

Yes, they ultimately fell short due to a miracle match-winner from Shaun Bruce, but with 2.1 seconds remaining, the Hawks were in line for an almighty upset.

After weeks of criticism, another injury to a key import and with a young team still very much finding its groove, Jackomas was quick to spring to back in his players.

“I don’t think it’s criticism, I think it’s bull***t. You know what I mean. I think it’s unfair and bull***t,” he said.

“I think right now what it is, it’s these guys are professionals and they are dealing with kicks in regard to injury after injury and myself as a coach, and management, are trying to get it right for them.

“We need to do a better job to help them perform, but we have a young group and I’m pretty proud of the way the guys that we’re investing in went today.

“I’m really proud of them and I don’t want to give those things credit for motivating them because it’s ill-information and it’s people that don’t know what they’re talking about. I just think that’s who we are and eventually we’ll crack one open.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From the logo ?<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> live & free ? 10 Peach & 10play | Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/Rl8MdhTKl3">pic.twitter.com/Rl8MdhTKl3</a></p>— The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1594218272974458880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When you consider the Hawks were without Peyton Siva, had just lost George King for the season and are still reeling from the loss of Justin Robinson alongside an injury to Dan Grida, it was an almighty effort.

Tyler Harvey was back to his brilliant best with 32 points, Sam Froling is re-capturing form and Mangok Mathiang gets more comfortable by the week.

Add Siva back into that mix, and the addition of former Michael Frazier II, and all of a sudden there's plenty of upside for the Hawks.

It will be fascinating to watch their rise in the second half of the season.

One thing's for sure though - Jackomas will back them in every step of the way.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Defence = ??<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@illawarrahawks</a> have wasted no time in replacing injured import George King ?<br><br>Former <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PerthWildcats</a> guard Michael Frazier II heads to the 'Gong for the remainder of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> ??<a href="https://t.co/hWBRUULs6y">https://t.co/hWBRUULs6y</a></p>— The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1594578346347986944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>