Hawks Sturt has new focus for 2021

The Ringwood Hawks' latest signing Adrien Sturt has played in many countries, had a stint in the NBL and has won many championships along his journey so far.

In NBL1 and Australian basketball, most know the Hawks' versatile big man as an inside/outside scoring threat, but in 2021 Sturt has his focus on another direction that he thinks could make his team a contender.

“I really think I can make a huge difference defensively, I am going to make that more of a focus,” Sturt said after training this week.

“We have a pretty long and athletic team this year so I expect that we will be able to challenge more shots on the perimeter and close to the basket, I can certainly help out in that area.”

In 2019, Sturt shared the club's MVP award with Matt Fennell and had a good season. His 42 point explosion against the Centre of Excellence was a reminder of what he is capable of doing on any given night.

At 6’11 and with a deadly three point shot, Sturt gives Hawks Coach Ken Harrington the opportunity to put a very big team on the floor with Sturt playing in the three spot.

“He is still capable of dominating a game,” Harrington said.

“We have more support for him and Matty Fennell this year so we can hopefully he can play at a higher level of intensity at both ends.”

Back in 2019, Sturt averaged 16 points and six rebounds a game and was a consistent weapon for the Hawks but says the team has plenty more to give this season.

“I don’t think any of us felt like we played well back in 2019,” Sturt said.

“We have had to wait an extra 12 months to redeem ourselves but we will be ready and prepared for the touch challenges that NBL1 will give us.”