Why Goorjian took Froling under his wing

Friday, January 28, 2022

Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian has revealed why he took Harry Froling under his wing this season.

After an indifferent campaign in Brisbane last year, Froling signed with the Hawks in the offseason in the hope of revitalising his career.

After some honest conversations, Goorjian has since unlocked a new level in Froling’s game, which was highlighted by his 27-point, eight three-pointers performance against Adelaide on Monday night.

Goorjian has since explained why Froling’s family roots were a big reason in him being attracted to the talented big man.

“The family. I coached the father, I know his mother really well, we go back a long way. I know that last name and I know the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Goorjian said.

“The production here is all about him. He came here with a bite to him that he was going to do what was required for him to be the best he can be.

“There’s going to be high and lows, but you take one look at him, and he is on the right page.

“I love having him here and I am hard on him, and he has responded. What he is doing, how he looks, how he is approaching everything is full credit to him.”

Froling’s brother, Sam, plays with him at the Hawks while his sisters Keely (Sydney) and Alicia (Canberra) are both on WNBL rosters. Their father Shane and mother Jenny were also professional basketballers.

Goorjian also emphasised how Froling is helping Illawarra as much as the club is helping him.

“This is a two-way street. I thought he would be tremendous for us and cover a lot of the things that this team lacked last year,” Goorjian said.

“I thought this environment, the group that we have, would be great for him.”

Outside of just the scoring, the master coach also praised Froling’s ability to get up and down the court, rotate on defence, talk, cover his teammates and his strong rebounding.

Froling and the Hawks are in action again on Thursday night against the Perth Wildcats. Tip-off is 7:30pm AEDT and the game will be broadcast on ESPN and Kayo.