The Wollongong ahm Hawks are in top gear preparing for the 2008/2009 National Basketball League season.

Hawks director Richard Clifford says news that the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets are experiencing financial difficulties is disappointing, but the coming NBL season is shaping as an exciting one.

“The NBL has teams right around Australia, as well as New Zealand and Singapore, so the future of basketball in Australia is anything but bleak,” Clifford said. “There are 11 other teams in this league with strong ownership groups, and this season will be as competitive as ever.

“Naturally, we wish the Kings and Bullets well in their efforts to overcome their difficulties but even if they don’t Sydney still has the Razorbacks and Queensland has three teams in Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast.”

“No team is bigger than the league, and there is no reason to believe the 2008/2009 season will not go ahead regardless of the outcomes of the Kings’ and Bullets’ difficulties.”

Clifford said the Hawks were in great shape after their own well-publicised financial difficulties late last year. 

“Our future has been secured with the support of the community, and it has been proven that Wollongong want us around for many years. We have rebuilt our front office and are confident we can put together a competitive team for the 2008/2009 season.

Growing support for the club has been evident in the past several months with the club securing a new naming rights sponsor in Australian Health Management ahm and receiving tremendous community support.

With some key signings for the 2008/2009 season on the horizon, and some experienced players coming onto the free agent’s list the Hawks  are excited about their future.

“Wollongong’s survival only proves that there is the support out there needed to keep this league alive. We need to get back to basics, but let there be no doubt that there will be a 2008/2009 NBL season, and it’s shaping as a great one,” Clifford added.