SYDNEY - Wollongong coach Gordie McLeod knows basketball isn't a one-man game but he's confident new import Ayinde Ubaka can inspire the Hawks to a late-season run in the NBL.
Ubaka was outstanding in his Hawks debut in a 90-68 thumping of former team Melbourne in Wollongong on Friday night.
The American was a man on a mission after being dramatically sacked by the Tigers on January 15 directly after a loss.
He responded by posting 15 points off the bench for his new team as they broke a seven-game losing streak.
McLeod says Ubaka's personal motivation to prove himself has rubbed off on the rest of the side, and he's confident the last-placed Hawks can rid themselves of the wooden spoon and surge up the ladder in the final rounds.
Wollongong aren't saying he's their saviour, but Ubaka looks set for a starting berth in the upcoming clash with the Gold Coast.
``I think the Hawks are going to be the beneficiaries . . . he's certainly very motivated and he was really just very pleased and excited to be playing in the NBL again,'' said McLeod.
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