The Illawarra Hawks have been crowned NBL champions after their fairytale season culminated in a 114-104 defeat of Melbourne United in the decisive fifth game of the championship series.
Will Hickey and Trey Kell starred in Wollongong on Sunday as the Hawks, wooden spooners two seasons ago, completed a remarkable rags-to-riches turnaround.
Illawarra’s William Hickey celebrates.Credit: Getty Images
The championship is only the second in 47 years for the NBL’s last remaining foundation club, and first since 2001.
The result marked United’s second consecutive 3-2 championship series loss after the perennial heavyweights fell to Tasmania in the game-five decider last year.
