The NBL1 East’s Illawarra Hawks have signed Matt Flinn to coach the men’s side for the 2025 season.
Coming off multiple seasons with the Darwin Salties, the Wollongong local will return home to reshape the snakepit.
As the former coach of the NBL side and a current assistant, this appointment will further strengthen the pathway between the NBL1 club and NBL team.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be stepping into this role, I was born and bred here so naturally there will be some extra motivation to rep the place that I grew up in, if it wasn't for the pathway established all those years ago through this place I would not be here.” Flinn said.
“This is not just about coaching a team, nor is it about me, it’s about building a legacy and trying to re-create a pathway for our athletes to reach the NBL and beyond. Having walked this path myself, I understand the opportunities in front of young athletes, if you can see it and touch it , you can be it. I am so pumped that the Hawks NBL team are a part of this thing.”
His priority will be to establish the best pathway possible from junior to senior, NBL1 and then NBL and beyond.
“Our goal is to create a men’s program that not only the Illawarra community can be proud of, but truly a linear pathway for talent, it won't be a short term fix,” he said.
“We’ll be fostering a competitive environment while maintaining a strong focus on player development, providing opportunities for athletes to thrive at every level. Not too many people know this but our club has produced more NBL players than nearly any other association in Australia, we want to continue that.”
