Video: Hawks coach confident ahead of taking on last years champs at home this Saturday
The Hawke's Bay Hawks are gearing up for their biggest challenge of their 2024 season so far, going up against last year's champions, the Canterbury Rams this Saturday at Pettigrew Arena.
[[ Ad Inserted Here | WAI]
After suffering a heavy loss to debutantes the Whai at the start of the season the Hawks have bounced back with back-to-back wins against the Southland Sharks and Manawatū Jets respectively, but this Saturday will be a serious test as to where they are amongst the stronger teams in the NZ NBL.
Hawks head coach Sam Gruggen knows that this is the first time this season the Rams may have a full team together and that means for the Hawks.
"So one challenge for us is their depth," says Gruggen. "They've got a good group of players, good group of core New Zealand kids coming through. So for us it's just consistency on offence, locking down, playing 40 minutes on defence and just staying out of foul trouble."
But Gruggen knows that playing at home comes with a big advantage, especially with loud Hawks' fans on the sidelines.
"[It gives us a] huge boost. I mean the crowd here was fantastic on our first game and they loved it and the atmosphere was awesome as well. So, excited to get back in front of our home crowd, hopefully with a big crowd."
However, Gruggen is sure that the Hawks can win against any team in the NZ NBL competition.
"It's just putting that consistency together for 40 minutes. For us, it's building that rapport and relationship and consistency and synergy on offence. So I feel like we're getting there, but yeah, definitely can beat any team."
The Hawks and Rams tip-off tomorrow night at 7:30 pm at Pettigrew Arena, with the Rapid League kicking the evening off at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available here.
