Basketball: Tonight could be Hawks calling if it all clicks

IMPORT IMPACT: Zachary "Zack" Atkinson and Suleiman Braimoh. PHOTO/Warren Buckland

With a new team, new system and a new coach sometimes things don't happen right away, says US import Zack Atkinson.

"But when they do happen, it'll happen because when we click there's going to be trouble," said Atkinson of the IMS Payroll Hawks in the Bartercard National Basketball League.

The Paora Winitana and Jarrod Kenny co-captained Hawks are winless in two matches after losses to the Nelson Giants and defending champions Wellington Saints.

"We're training the hardest by far in New Zealand - no other team are, not even close," he says, checking the load of other franchises with other players.

Coming to grips with the "new system" is the key.

In traditionally every game he steps on to the court for he firmly believes will be the one where the first victory will come from, and tonight is no exception against the James Blond Supercity Rangers (Auckland).

"I'm not saying I'm the best player in the world, but if I'm out there I'm giving you my best," he says, adding his teammates "will be giving it all they've got, too".

"Once you get that first win and everyone starts relaxing.

"The tension loosens up and everyone starts playing their roles."

While the mantra has been to hang their hats on the foundation of defence, it's imperative the guards, especially the shooting variety, need to get their act together considering they have had ample time to get a look at the hoop.

Atkinson says coach Liam Flynn has been putting the guards through a shooting drill to ensure those clutch shots count.

"In my eyes you've got to have that registered - click it in because it's a whole new shooting technique we've never done before."

While he and fellow big man and Nigerian import Suleiman Braimoh have collected fouls early, Atkinson doesn't think it's an issue.

Having taken a year off, Atkinson thinks the refs have "forgotten some of the things that I'm not getting away with this year".

"For me, I have to adjust but sometimes they do, too, later in the season," he says, mindful building a rapport with the whistle blowers is an ongoing project.

"I have nothing against the refs. I just want to be able to do what I can do without fouling."

The Hawks' professionalism on and off the court appealed to Atkinson whenever he came here in opposition colours.

It's his third NBL season here after plying his trade with the defunct Waikato Pistons and Harbour Heat.

The American initially knocked on Flynn's email door but found it closed with a complete roster.

However, days later the status changed, prompting the Australian coach to send an SOS after Dustin Scott became unavailable due to personal reasons.

"They [Hawks] have a reputation for winning so I thought I might come to get that NBL championship I'm looking for because I'm getting older," he says.

The Hawks are in the hunt for their second NBL crown, clinching the maiden one under former Aussie coach Shawn Dennis in 2006.