The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has begun to wreak havoc on Australian sport with several fixtures postponed or reorganised.
The NBL has been hit worse than most summer leagues, and the Illawarra Hawks have arguably had the worst luck.
Head coach Brian Goorjian says his team are facing their toughest period yet to ensure the season continues.
“It feels like for the last two years we have been playing tag with COVID,” Goorjian said on 1170 SEN Breakfast.
The Hawks had their match against South East Melbourne Phoenix postponed on game day.
As several members of the Hawks camp have tested positive since, the meeting with the Sydney Kings on New Year’s Eve and the match against the Cairns Taipans on January 2 were postponed.
“This one’s a real challenge,” Goorjian continued.
“We’re (the Hawks) are locked down through Christmas and we’re not training. I can’t go through numbers… but it’s decimated the whole team.
“Not everybody but as close to everybody as possible (is COVID) positive.”
While Goorjian understands the severity of the situation and the importance of the COVID protocols, he is frustrated over his side’s lack of game time.
“We’re playing in a tough competition where everybody is practicing, and we are sitting in our room.
“It’s a daunting prospect.”
While the Hawks await negative test results and their isolation periods, Goorjian and his staff have held fitness and strategy sessions on Zoom.
They have also met with players individually to ensure the roster stays focused on the task at hand.
Despite the circumstances, Goorjian used the example of NBA champion and MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as inspiration for his team, who made a successful return from health and safety protocols.
“You look at the Greek Freak who came out of a 10 day (isolation) and he talked about being refreshed, motivated and in great physical condition.
“Whoever handles COVID the best has the best chance to be successful.”
The Hawks next match is on January 9 against Melbourne United.