Justin Tatum Earns Extension with Hawks

The Hawks are 12-7 since promoting Justin Tatum, who nearly won National Basketball League Coach of the Year for his role in turning Illawarra's season around.

In mid-November, the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia named Justin Tatum their interim head coach.

"I'm extremely happy for him and proud of him," Jayson Tatum told Inside The Celtics of his father's opportunity. "That's a big step. I know he's trying to build his resume and his coaching career. (He) won multiple state titles in high school (with) different teams. Been over in Australia for the last four months and is now the head coach of the Hawks. I'm excited for him and looking forward to him kind of turning that organization around."

Illawarra was 2-7 when Tatum took over. Since then, the Hawks are 12-7, finishing fourth on the NBL ladder and earning a spot in the play-in.

According to ESPN basketball insider Olgun Uluc, they're now rewarding their bench boss for his role in turning around the team, signing him through the 2026-27 NBL season; the final year of the deal contains a mutual option.

Tatum, who finished second in this season's National Basketball League's Coach of the Year voting, voiced, "I am grateful to the team, my assistant coaches, and the management at the Illawarra Hawks who have trusted in me since I took over in November."

He also shared, "I've grown to love this place in a very short space of time. The whole team is so proud to represent this region, and we want to continue to bring the winning feeling back to the Illawarra."

Since Tatum took over, the Hawks are generating 118.0 points per 100 possessions, ranking in the top four in offensive rating, while also being in the top two in defensive rating, holding opponents to 109.6 points per 100 possessions.

Illawarra will face the Tasmania JackJumpers in a play-in game between the three and four seeds on Feb. 28. The winner will square off against the Perth Wildcats in a semi-final series.

Further Reading

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Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

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Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'