Hot Rivalry At Training Bodes Well

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday September 4, 2007

Basketball with Tim Keeble

WOLLONGONG captain-in-waiting Mat Campbell is ecstatic with the Hawks' intense training battles, claiming the spicy on-court atmosphere had stirred memories of the club's 2001 title-winning team.

Campbell has made a successful return from March knee surgery and played in all three pre-season trials.

The only player missing in action is Ben Castle, but the rugged swingman is rapidly recovering after a minor knee operation three weeks ago and is hopeful of playing in tomorrow night's road clash with Sydney.

Hawks coach Eric Cooks is still working out his starting five and competition for spots is fierce.

Campbell, who is set to be named captain of the rebuilt Hawks, said the bruising practice sessions had helped the team grow closer.

"There's starting spots up in the air so we're all very competitive. Day in day out, you're playing for your spot," Campbell said.

"We're deep in every spot, which is a bit like the year we won the championship when we had guys like Matt Shanahan, Damon Lowery, Luke Doherty, Grant Kruger and Matt Garrison on the bench. Basically you had the second five pushing the starters every game, and that's a very healthy training environment."

Campbell gave the club a vote of confidence and believes Cooks should be commended for his hectic recruiting drive.

"There's no doubt on paper that we're not the most talented team in the league, but I look around at our team and there's seven or eight guys who are around the 25 mark who've had a tiny taste of the NBL and had a look and understand what it is," Campbell said.

The Hawks play their first home game against defending champions Brisbane on September 28.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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