Basketball On The Internet.

SHOULDN’T be too long before Wollongong Hawks announce the retention of reliable combo guard Rhys Martin as the regular NBL playoff club continues its consolidation.

Dave Gruber’s retention yesterday means the Hawks are working hard to retain their core and Martin is another of those reliable pieces.

In the off-season, Martin’s consistency was even recognised by Boomers coach Andrej Lemanis who used him in the Sino-Australia Challenge against China where he didn’t look at all out of place.

With Gruber, Wollongong’s naturalised under-sized centre/power forward back, the Hawks’ core looks good with Oscar Forman, Tim Coenraad and Larry Davidson already retained.

Martin shouldn’t be far off - unless he gets a better offer in Europe - and neither should Tyson Demos.

Despite limited funds and resources, Wollongong has made the playoffs in three of the past six years, including the Grand Final against Perth in 2010.

Brad Hill's recruitment adds depth in the forward spots.

Reigning champion Perth also is keeping its Championship core intact with Larry Sengstock Medallist Jermaine Beal confirmed today alongside Damian Martin, Matt Knight, Greg Hire, Jesse Wagstaff and Tom Jervis.

Can Shawn Redhage’s contract be very far from done too?