Tag: TakeFlight22

Hawks to be led by new GM

CLUB STATEMENT – HAWKS LOOK FORWARD WITH MANAGEMENT CHANGE

Issued: 20th July, 2022 – Immediate Release

To our Corporate Partners, Season Members, Fans and Friends of the Program,

We’d like to inform you of some recent changes at the club.

Recently our current General Manager and Head Coach Mick Downer accepted a coaching role back in the Australian NBL commencing after our season. I’m aware it was a very difficult decision for he and his family to make as they love it here in the Bay, but it’s one that we understand and support. Mick has done a great job in the dual roles and the club is in a very healthy position commercially. Mick has stepped down as the General Manager of the club but he will continue in his role as Head Coach as we make a charge for the playoffs and ultimately championship success. The club will review the coaching role at the completion of the season in regards to next season.

 “I want to extend my sincere thanks to Keith, the board, our patrons, staff, players and fans for their support. An opportunity arose recently and it’s one that will allow me to pursue my passion of coaching. The change in GM leadership will allow the club to continue to grow from strength to strength, and allow me to focus solely on the coaching of the team as we enter the business end of the season, “ Mick Downer.

 The Taylor Hawks are excited to announce Andi Leydesdorff as the new General Manager, Andi will commence her role next week and she is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Taylor Hawks.

“I am excited about this opportunity to be apart of the Taylor Hawks family, and look forward to meeting all the great people involved within the organisation in due course.”

Andi has an extensive background in sport as a leading administrator in a variety of roles but most noticeably her role as the former Hockey Community Manager of Hawkes Bay Hockey gives her a strong connection and understanding of the sports landscape here in Hawkes Bay.

“We welcome Andi to the Hawks family and look forward to her leadership of the club moving forward. She’s a highly skilled operator and we are excited about her building upon the work Mick has done and taking us into the future. Our initial discussions around her vision for the club and the supporting strategies are impressive and completely aligned with the direction we want to go.”

Ngā mihi | Kind Regards,

 

Keith Price

Board Chair

New import set to help Hawks Soar

MEDIA RELEASE – IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Hawks Bolster the big man department with athletic Agee touching down in the Bay.”

The search for a player to help the Hawks post stocks has concluded with talented, athletic and versatile post Tajuan Agee joining the team. A native of Chicago “Juan” as he is affectionally known just touched down in the Bay, dropped his luggage, met the team and joined the group for the trip to the South Island.

Agee has recently completed a stint in the highly regarded German Pro A league with Rasta Vechta, after joining them with a 2-7 record, his impact helped the team finish the season strongly at 16-16. This stint in Germany followed a rookie season in Europe for club Balkan who played in the FIBA Euro Cup and Basketball Champions league and the domestic Bulgarian league, where Agee averaged 12 pts & 8 rebs in 21 mins of play.

“What really stood out was how mature and easy to talk to Juan was in the recruiting process. He understands team dynamics and has played on deep rosters, so he is happy to play whatever role is required for us to be successful. Speaking with his coach from Germany they were wrapped with what he brought to the locker room and court and wouldn’t hesitate to have him back (always a good sign). Once over the jet lag and with a few weeks with the group we’re really looking forward to what Juan can bring.” Coach Mick Downer

“After hearing the team reached the finals in recent years I jumped at the opportunity knowing it is a great team and to be that piece that can help win it all by playing my role. I’ve played with veteran teams before, and hope that I can be that energy guy that lifts the team,” Agee added.
.

3 Quick Facts about Tajuan Agee:

  1. The eldest of 6 siblings
  2. Love’s animals and asked if NZ has any spiders
  3. I have Jamaican heritage

2021/22 Highlights:
Career Statistics:

“Hawks load up roster with Champion big man Jack Salt.”

Jack Salt – Video Highlights

The Taylor Hawks have landed arguably the biggest signing in the 2022 Sal’s NBL free agency with NCAA Champion (University of Virginia), Jack Salt set to battle for the Bayside team.

Currently plying his trade for the Brisbane Bullets in the Australian NBL, a current Tall Black, and former Canterbury Ram, Salt will follow his former mentor and now Hawks Head Coach Mick Downer along with several team mates back up to the North Island as the Bayside team adds a big piece to an already impressive roster.

“I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the team reach its full potential this season and I’m excited to be part of such a talented group. I’m happy to be coached by Mick again, he has a great understanding of the game but it’s his ability to connect with people and help get the most out of his players that helped in my decision.”

 The decision itself was a difficult one with several teams understandably trying to land the pivotal post players signature. Salt’s story of overcoming adversity and being resilient is an inspiring one. After becoming the first NZ player to win an NCAA championship, playing in the NBA Summer League with the Phoenix Suns and signing professionally, Salt has battle illness and injury in recent seasons but through tireless effort and a tough mindset he has returned to full health and is raring to go.

“It’s been frustrating at times, for sure, but I’ve learned a lot about how to get the most out of my body and I’m healthy and ready to play. I’m excited to get to NZ after this season and help the Hawks be successful.”

~ Ends ~

Kenny Commits to Championship Success

Jarrod Kenny – Video Highlights

JK as he is affectionately known throughout the basketball whānau will return for his 12th season in a Taylor Hawks jersey. An inspirational leader, dual championship winner in the Australian NBL (with the Perth Wildcats), and 2020 Sal’s NBL Showdown Champion will bring his winning mentality, experience, and leadership back to the court and locker room for this season’s championship campaign.

Kenny has played the game all over the world, proudly wearing the black for the national side on some of the sport’s biggest stages. After making his Tall Blacks debut in 2009 JK has gone on to represent the black jersey for over a decade, but for all those memories, individual accolades and wins there is one trophy that he is desperate to help bring to the Bay.

 

“I’m excited to be part of the Hawks team for the 2022 season. I’m looking forward to getting back to Hawke’s Bay when the time comes and working towards a championship. The team that has been assembled and the number of young local talent that is involved is exciting to see.”

 

JK is currently playing for the Cairns Taipans in the Australian NBL and will join his Hawks team mates a couple weeks into the season once his duties are fulfilled in Aussie.

Harris returns and is hungry for Hawks Success

Hyrum Harris Highlights
A rising star on the NZ basketball landscape Harris has already had a big year and is fuelled for more success both individually and for the Taylor Hawks. Currently plying his trade for the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian NBL and off a recent stint with the Tall Blacks at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, his career trajectory is on the up and up.

A key member of the 2021 Hawks team that was oh so close to a championship, it was an easy decision for Harris to return to the club in what will be his 3rd season with the team and his 8th in the Sal’s NBL. He’s closely connected with so many of the players from last season that shared that journey, is excited about having a full time professional coach with Downer’s experience and he and his partner Takiri just love it here in the Bay.

“I just can’t wait to get back to the Bay and play with the boys again. I love the team we are putting together, we will be versatile and deep. We have the tools to win it and I look forward to doing whatever I can to help the team be successful. It’s the best place for me to be as I continue my basketball journey and grow as a player.”

 Harris will join his team mates after fulfilling his commitments with the Adelaide 36ers.