Hawks Star Hickey Reflects on Emotional Season Ahead of Crucial Adelaide Clash
Illawarra Hawks point guard Will Hickey has spoken candidly about the emotional turmoil he and his team have faced during a challenging NBL26 season, as they prepare for a must-win game against the Adelaide 36ers.
From Mountain Top to Identity Crisis
Hickey acknowledged that his personal basketball journey this season has mirrored the Hawks' own struggles. "What I've learnt, not about myself, but I guess the journey of the sport, which is what I'm going through, is that the ups and downs of it, if you ride that wave too much and get caught on it, it's a very slippery slope," Hickey told the Illawarra Mercury.
The 26-year-old guard described the transition from championship success to current difficulties: "You're on top of the mountain. You feel like nobody can stop you. You go from that to sort of down and out, first of all, and then now from down and out to struggling to find your identity again."
Season of Highs and Lows
Hickey's season began with disappointment when an eye injury forced him to miss the Hawks' first six games. His return was spectacular, however, as he recorded his first career triple-double in his 99th NBL game against the Cairns Taipans. That performance included:
- 19 points from eight of 14 field goals
- 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards
- 12 assists
This achievement made him the first Hawks player to register a triple-double since Lamelo Ball accomplished the feat during the 2019-20 season.
His strong form continued with the Australian national team, where he hit game-winning three-pointers for the Boomers against New Zealand. However, as the season progressed, both Hickey's performance and the defending champion Hawks' fortunes declined, with the team currently languishing in eighth position with just five games remaining.
Facing Adelaide Challenge
The Hawks enter Thursday night's crucial game at WIN Entertainment Centre with a 10-18 record, three games behind the Tasmania JackJumpers who occupy the sixth play-in spot. The challenge is significant, as Adelaide has won each of its last Thursday night games and boasts seven consecutive victories against Illawarra.
Hickey remains hopeful despite the statistics: "We're just trying to keep our heads above water at the moment and not think too far about the future. Adelaide have had our measure recently, but they're a good team."
The point guard, who ranks fourth among qualified players for assists per game this season with 6.5, had one of his best performances against the 36ers on November 2, contributing a team-high 20 points along with nine rebounds, eight assists, and four blocked shots.
Lessons Learned Through Turmoil
Hickey emphasized the importance of emotional control and team unity during difficult periods: "The biggest lesson to myself and I guess us as a team have learned is you've gotta be able to control your emotions and stick with it and ride the wave."
He acknowledged the team's talent while addressing their consistency issues: "We're not delusional about it, but it's trying to find a balance between that. When we're good, we're really good, and we know it. It is just the consistency of sticking together and fighting through that turmoil."
Looking ahead to the Adelaide matchup, Hickey identified the key challenge: "They're just a good team, they have a great player [Bryce Cotton], MVP favourite and probably the GOAT of the league. It's just about figuring out a way to stop him and then going from there."
Despite the Hawks' struggles, Hickey remains determined to salvage something from the season: "Not riding the highs and lows, so as shit as this has been, we're still trying to find something salvageable out of it. We don't want to walk away from this season like we could have left more out there."
