Froling to fly after rejoining Hawks

RISING NBL big man Sam Froling has secured his future, and believes he can go to another level under incoming Hawks coach Brian Goorjian.

The Townsville product inked a two-year deal with the revamped franchise yesterday and is expected to slot straight into the Hawks’ front court rotation.

Froling played his rookie NBL season with the Hawks last year, averaging six points and 3.3 rebounds across 17 appearances. His workrate on the court catapulted the 20-yearold into Australian Boomers contention and he made his national team debut earlier this year in the FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers.

The 2.13m power forward is the fourth child of Townsville basketball powerhouses Jenny and Shane Froling, and joined siblings Keely (Canberra Capitals), Alicia (Bendigo Spirit) and Harry (Brisbane Bullets) in the professional ranks last season.

But he believes working under Goorjian could take his game to the next level.

“I am super excited to see where it takes my game,” Froling said.

“I have spoken to a lot of guys he has helped develop before, and they have nothing but respect. They said they wouldn’t be where they are without him. Hopefully he can do the same for me and I think he can. As long as I apply myself, I think it should work out pretty well.

“He will help me develop and work on getting better and help me make more of an impact. I am in pretty good shape and hopefully coming into the season I can keep that going and stay ready.”

The incoming coach said he was impressed with the potential that Froling showed in his rookie season.

“With another off-season under his belt and the confidence gained from making his Boomers debut, we believe Sam will make a major contribution to the Hawks in the future,” Goorjian said.