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Tatum has led the Hawks to a 12-7 mark since he took over as interim coach following a 2-7 start that resulted in the dismissal of the team's previous coach. The prior year, the Hawks had their worst season in history.

Tatum signed a three-year deal with the Hawks, who begin the league's playoffs on Feb. 28.

“I am grateful to the team, my assistant coaches and the management team at the Illawarra Hawks who have trusted in me since I took over in November," Tatum said in a . "It’s a testament to the guys who stayed locked in.�

“We have some strong momentum now that we will carry into the finals, and I am just happy that all the people of the Illawarra will have the opportunity to support their team in a [finals series]. I’ve grown to love this place in a very short space of time,� he added.

Tatum's record is the best for any NBL coach this season.

“Stability and continuity, as well as performance, are critical for the Hawks as we continue to rebuild. Justin is offering us all of those things, and I am delighted that he has agreed to take on the permanent position for the next three years," Hawks CEO Stuart Taggart said in a .

"Right now, I'd be preparing for a high school district game at this moment (if I hadn't come to Australia)," Tatum .

Illawarra owner Jared Novelly is a CBC graduate who helped woo Tatum to Australia to help recruit players from the U.S. to play in Australia.

Justin Tatum played collegiately at ºüÀêÊÓƵ U. and began his area high school coaching career at Soldan.

He is the father of NBA star Jayson Tatum, also a ºüÀêÊÓƵ native.