Star guard ready to fire for resurgent Hawks

Illawarra Hawks guard Justin Robinson has declared he is “110 per cent” ready to hit the floor against the Sydney Kings on Friday night, 11 months after suffering a season-ending meniscus tear in his right knee. 

Robinson registered 10 assists in three quarters of action in NBL23’s season-opener against the same opposition, but remained unsighted for the rest of the season as the injury bug bit the Hawks hard.

He has played in limited stints over the off-season preparing for the upcoming season, playing with the Charlotte Hornets in Summer League and suiting up for two games at the NBL Blitz, where he scored 18 points in 29 minutes total. 

But going into Round 1, Robinson says he’s ready to make the difference for the Hawks in NBL24.

An injured Robinson supports his Hawks teammates in Round 9 last season.

“[I’m] 110% percent, obviously we were a little cautious coming into the Blitz and the pre-season game at the Snakepit, but right now it’s full go, full throttle,” he said. 

“[I’m] just ready to make up for what I didn't get to do last year.” 

Coming back from injury has only added to Robinson’s drive. He says he’s always had a chip on his shoulder but the past season has only amplified his hunger to compete at the highest level. 

“Just the exciting factor of knowing we won three games last year, shifting back to the winning culture we had before. That’s what we are all back for,” he said. 

“I just live with a chip on my shoulder all the time, another basketball game, another season for me. Obviously, there is always a point to prove when I step on the court… I’m grateful to be playing the game.” 

Ahead of their first game of NBL24 against the Kings, Robinson said despite knowing they are going against their rivals and their defending champs – his team will be only locked in on what they are doing. 

“They are the defending champions, our rival… But we are just focused on us at this moment, I think it’s all about us,” he said.

“It’s just us vs. us and I think at the end of the day, we are going to be our biggest opponent.” 

The Hawks will host the Sydney Kings in Illawarra on Friday night live on ESPN via Kayo from 7:30pm AEST.