Adrian Hurley Cup

Each year, when the Illawarra Hawks face off against their oldest and fiercest rival - the big - spending, big - talking Sydney Kings - it’s about more than just NBL points. It’s about bragging rights, pride, and a trophy named in honour of one of the game’s great builders.

Established by Basketball NSW, the Adrian Hurley Cup celebrates the fiery, decades - old rivalry between two proud New South Wales clubs.

Named after coaching icon Adrian Hurley, who helped shape the game across the state - the Cup has quickly become one of the league’s most hotly contested traditions.

Est: 2015/16

SERIES WINS
Hawks 4 | Kings 6

HEAD TO HEAD (Games)
Hawks 21 | Kings 19

Each NBL season, the Kings and Hawks clash four times. The team with the better head-to-head record claims the Cup. If the series is tied 2-2, the winner is decided by cumulative point differential. The silverware is presented after the fourth game.

With one team representing the Harbour City’s flash and flair, and the other born from Illawarra’s working-class heart and grit, it’s a rivalry that has never lost its edge. From Snakepit scuffles to WIN Entertainment Centre sell-outs, beating Sydney means everything, and always has.

For generations of Hawks fans, it’s not just another game; it’s the game.

It’s a mindset that flows all the way through the Illawarra Basketball Association. Whether it’s the senior Hawks taking down the Kings, or local juniors toppling the Sydney Comets or Bankstown Bruins, the DNA is the same: beat Sydney.

So bring the noise, wear the red, and get ready to ride every possession. Because when it’s Hawks vs Kings, the entire state takes notice, and the Adrian Hurley Cup is on the line.

Results

2024/25 - Hawks 4 - 0

The Hawks turned the tables in emphatic fashion, not only sweeping the Kings 4 - 0 but reclaiming the Cup with authority in one of the most dominant showings in series history. Moving coach Justin Tatum to 6-0 all-time against the Kings.

96 - 89 (A)

86 - 79 (H)

111 - 108 (A)

95 - 75 (H)

Series: Hawks 4 | Kings 6

2023/24 - Kings 2 - 2
The Hawks recovered after back - to - back home losses to square the series, but the Kings stole the Cup yet again on points differential.

81 - 96 (H)

83 - 103 (H)

94 - 90 (A)

106 - 95 (A)

Series: Hawks 3 | Kings 6

2022/23 - Kings 4 - 0
Sydney produced a flawless sweep, overpowering the Hawks in a clinical 4 - 0 whitewash.

97 - 106 (H)

82 - 83 (A)

79 - 86 (H)

79 - 84 (A)

Series: Hawks 3 | Kings 5

2021/22 - Hawks 3 - 1
The Hawks bounced back with a commanding 3 - 1 regular season win, reclaiming Cup bragging rights despite a finals exit.

92 - 84 (A)

97 - 89 (H)

102 - 107 (H)

87 - 84 (A)

Series: Hawks 3 | Kings 4

2020/21 - Hawks 2 - 2
Despite a 2 - 2 split, the Hawks claimed the Cup thanks to a superior aggregate score - highlighting their grit in away wins.

85 - 82 (A)

89 - 69 (A)

75 - 79 (H)

73 - 79 (H)

Series: Hawks 2 | Kings 4

2019/20 - Kings 3 - 1
Sydney reasserted their dominance with a 3 - 1 series win, holding off a competitive Hawks squad on both home and away courts.

87 - 92 (A)

85 - 80 (H)

79 - 102 (H)

82 - 98 (A)

Series: Hawks 1 | Kings 4

2018/19 - Kings 2 - 2

Another 2 - 2 draw saw the Kings retain the Cup, again prevailing on for - and - against.

79 - 86 (A)

68 - 83 (H)

78 - 71 (H)

96 - 84 (A)

Series: Hawks 1 | Kings 3

2017/18 - Kings 2 - 2

In a fiercely contested series, both sides split the honours, with the Kings edging the Cup on points differential.

87 - 103 (A)

94 - 99 (H)

93 - 83 (A)

97 - 93 (H)

Series: Hawks 1 | Kings 2

2016/17 - Kings 3 - 1
The Kings claimed their first Cup with a strong 3 - 1 series win, outmuscling the Hawks in a tough campaign.

84 - 88 (H)

73 - 90 (A)

93 - 99 (H)

87 - 75 (A)

Series: Hawks 1 | Kings 1

2015/16 - Hawks 4 - 0

The inaugural Adrian Hurley Cup belonged emphatically to the Hawks, who dismantled Sydney in a clean 4 - 0 sweep, setting the tone for the rivalry.

100 - 86 (A)

96 - 90 (H)

102 - 83 (H)

114 - 90 (A)

Series: Hawks 1 | Kings 0