Goorjian resigns from Hawks

BRIAN Goorjian has resigned as Illawarra Hawks head, opening the door the NBL’s most successful coach to potentially return to Asia.

Goorjian elected not take up his third-year option with the foundation club after steering the side to the finals in consecutive seasons.

The 68-year-old, who recently brought up his 800th NBL game, will remain as the Hawks’ special advisor for basketball operations but will work remotely.

Goorjian’s long-time assistant coach Jacob Jackomas will step up into the role of Illawarra’s head coach.

“I‘ve thoroughly enjoyed my last two seasons with the Hawks, where we’ve performed extremely well and reached the top four on both occasions,” said Goorjian, who confirms he has been approached by overseas clubs which he is exploring.

“I’m extremely proud of everything we achieved on the court and look forward to helping the club in any way I can moving forward. “This move also allows my long-time assistant coach Jacob, who I have complete faith in, his chance to prove himself in the NBL. “The plan was always for Jacob to succeed me at the Hawks and the club, thanks to the excellent staff and owners, is in an extremely strong position - which is really exciting for all involved.

“The strides this organisation has made in the Illawarra community over the past two seasons have been incredible and I‘m excited to see what Jacob, the returning players, owners, and staff can do in the coming years.”

Jackomas, who became the club’s 14th head coach during March 27’s win against Melbourne, due to Goorjian testing positive for COVID-19, was excited about the new challenge. “Everyone here has been extremely lucky to work with and learn from Brian over the past two seasons and my coaching staff‘s mission is to build on that moving forward,“said Jackomas, who’s coached alongside Goorjian for more than a decade at the Sydney Kings, Shenzhen Leopards, and Shanghai Sharks before teaming up at the Hawks.