Before Bateman became a Hawk, he made his mark with the Newcastle Falcons, where he averaged an impressive 24.6 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, helping to drive the Falcons to a strong fourth-place finish.

When Bateman made the move to the Illawarra Hawks, he brought with him the same intensity and skill that had made him a star in Newcastle. In the 1986 season, he continued to be a force on the court, averaging 20.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Hawks to a solid fifth-place finish.

But it was in 1987 that Bateman and the Hawks truly hit their stride. The team finished the season with a remarkable 20-6 record, securing third place and establishing themselves as serious contenders. Bateman was at the heart of this success, averaging 19.8 points and 10 rebounds per game. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor made him a critical component of the Hawks’ game plan, and his performances during this period were instrumental in the team's rise.

Even as the Hawks faced challenges in 1988, with the team finishing in seventh place, Bateman’s consistency never wavered. He averaged 17 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the NBL’s most reliable and steady performers. Bateman’s presence on the court was a constant for the Hawks, providing the team with a dependable source of points and rebounds game after game.

The "Killer Bs"—Bateman, Borner, and Bickett—were more than just a catchy nickname; they were a symbol of the Hawks' strength during a competitive era. This trio’s combination of skill, size, and basketball IQ made them a nightmare for opponents and a cornerstone of the Hawks' identity in the late '80s.

Jim Bateman’s legacy with the Illawarra Hawks is defined not only by his impressive statistics but by the way he embodied the grit and determination that the team was known for during this period. His contributions to the "Killer Bs" ensured that this frontline would be remembered as one of the most formidable in NBL history, leaving a lasting impact on the Hawks and their fans.