As his age went from mid 30’s to nearly 40, Hawks Championship star Luke Egan was consistently asked the same questions.

“How old are you now Luke?”

“Have you got another season in you?”

History would tell you that Egan said yes a lot and all the way to 40 years of age, but the 6’6 scoring machine officially called it quits this week on a career that reached great heights and took him all over the world.

It all started back in 1985 when as an 11 year old skinny quiet kid; Egan started playing with his Primary school at Preston. His teacher, Mr. Booley entered a team called St.Stephens and from game one, Egan was hooked.

Quickly he improved and found his way to the Coburg Giants where he played until Under 20’s. Now standing 6’6 and with explosive athleticism, Egan headed to Broadmeadow’s to play for their senior team and also caught the eye of some American Colleges. Eventually it was Eastern Washington who won the signature of this wayward yet talented Aussie.

“That was the opportunity of a lifetime, 4 years of Basketball at Eastern Washington University which is a Division one school and a chemistry degree. I would recommend it to any Australian who has a chance to do this.” Egan said.

He was no bench warmer either, averaging 9 points per game and 4 rebounds on a team that was not short on talent. In Egan’s final game he exploded for a memorable 22 points in a big win over rival Idaho State. This performance he said helped him realize he has a good shot at the NBL.

“I realized after that game if I can score out there then I can probably do it back home in the NBL. I headed home to train with Brian Goorjian and the Southeast Melbourne Magic.”

Egan trained well but jumped at an opportunity to make some money with the Ballarat Miners. He played well but a mid season injury forced him to return to Melbourne and now looking back, Egan sees this as probably a missed opportunity with the Magic.

“I should have stayed and tried to work my way on to their roster.” He said.

“I also flew to Brisbane and tried out there but it just never worked out so I turned my attention to SEABL and Big V and I loved it.”

Now at the peak of his powers, Egan was a gun for hire and was putting up big scoring numbers for any team he played for. He moved around regularly playing for Northeast Melbourne Giants, Eltham Wildcats, Hume City Broncos, Werribee Devils and then back to Eltham. On 2 separate occasions he nailed 50 points and always did it with a few cheeky comments and his well known all business game face.

On the world stage, Egan played as an import in the Phillipines for a team called the Suncity Dragons. From there he spent a season in Ireland with former Hawk Luke O’Hea and the Tralee Tigers. He also won the Australian National 3 on 3 tournament and represented Australia in Los Angeles against other teams from around the globe.

In late 2010 and now well in to his mid 30’s, Egan was informed he was no longer a required player with Eltham. The news hit him hard as it coincided with the birth of his son Jack, who was having some difficulties and was in hospital. Egan reached out to Hawks Head Coach Ken Harrington.

“Kenny opened the door to me, he took a chance and the last 4 season with the Hawks have been incredible.”

“3 Grand Final appearances and 2 Championships, I just wish I had become a Hawk earlier.”

After the Hawks performed a minor miracle in winning the Championship this past August, Egan took time to reflect before committing to another season. Although he had the support of his wife Carleigh and of course Jack to play another season, Egan slowly came around to the fact that there can be no better way to go out than this.

“I wanted to play till I was 40, I achieved that, we won a Championship and my old body is telling me its time as well.”

“I knew this day would come but when you have done something for 30 years it’s difficult to get your head around, but I finally have.”

The Hawks haven’t seen the last of Egan as he plans to continue on attending games and trainings, hopefully to assist some of the younger Hawks players in their development. Keeping him off the training court will be difficult, Egan has and always will be a ruthless competitor and his drive and love of the game is what carried him through an incredible Basketball odyssey.

“He is irreplaceable, a rare personality who has always been an example to youngsters that desire and enthusiasm will take you a long way.” Hawks Coach Ken Harrington said.

“I’m hopeful that we still see a lot of him, on the court and off the court he has been a huge part of our recent success.”