Basketball On The Internet.

ALEKS Maric, Aussie Olympian and Euroleague championship-winner, reputedly is considering heading to the NBL and - wait for this - those pesky Illawarra Hawks.

What, you say? The Hawks already have A.J. Ogilvy and Larry Davidson don't they?

Well they certainly do. But Maric, 30 and a bustling 211cm centre, may just be ready to return to Australia.

The laconic big man has played in Spain, Greece - where he won the 2011 Euroleague with Panathinaikos - Serbia, Turkey, Israel and back to Spain.

Why not return now?

It's not as if Ogilvy or Davidson can't spend some time at the four spot.

Remember, London Olympian and 2010 FIBA World Championship Boomer Maric (above) was a key player on Australia's Gold Medal-winning 2003 FIBA World Under-19 Championship team, alongside a few notable names such as Andrew Bogut, Brad Newley, Damian Martin, Steve Markovic, Matt Knight and Rhys Carter.

Guess who coached that team?

Rob Beveridge.

Guess who is coaching the Hawks now?

Rob Beveridge.

My DM is that the Hawks start training on Monday and Maric has until then to make his decision.

And yes, that would put any thoughts of a second import on hold.

MEANWHILE, Sydney coach Damian Cotter should take a quiet bow for completing the deal which netted the Kings with Boston Celtics draft pick Marcus Thornton.

When Cairns Taipans lost Scottie Wilbekin to the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, they made a big play for Thornton. My (e)mail is they offered more money than the Kings too.

But Cotter's solid relationship with Celtics coach Brad Stevens was a big factor in ensuring Thornton ended up in Sin City and not Orange County.