The IMB Hawks started a new era with a convincing 111-83 win of the touring American side Athletes in Action on Monday night.

The Hawks won despite playing without imports Kavossy Franklin and James Peters, the injured Cameron Tragardh and Ben Castle, as well as Lindsay Tait who is on national duty with the Tall Blacks.

Wollongong started with Jeremy Kench and Mat Campbell in the backcourt, with John Philip, Cameron Rigby and Larry Davidson up front.

New recruit Larry Davidson paced the Hawks in the opening term, posting seven of Wollongong's first ten points on a couple of inside moves, then showing off his long-range skills with a sweet triple.

Davidson had nine points in the period, while solid play from rookie Dan Jackson and Cam Rigby helped the Hawks push ahead late to lead 28-23 at quarter-time.

Wollongong held a brief ten-point lead at 37-27 thanks to a three by Philip, however the visitors fought well to reduce the margin to five.

Davidson and Philip combined for 13 points in the second stanza as a pair of free-throws by Philip in the last minute had the Hawks up by ten, before Jimmy Graham of the Athletes in Action slammed the last two points home with Wollongong in front 50-42 at halftime.

For the half Larry Davidson had 15-points (7/8 FG) and seven boards, whilst Philip and Rigby had 10 apiece.

With Jeremy Kench controlling the the point (nine assists) and Mat Campbell finding his range too, the half time lead soon ballooned.

After scoring just one first half point Campbell finished with 19 to go with five assists.

The lead peaked inside the last minute at 111-80 when Rigby, playing his first game for Hawks since returning from West Sydney, scored his 20th point on his fourth long bomb.

Philip added 11 rebounds to his team high 25 points, while Larry Davidson (19 points and 14 rebounds) and Cam Rigby (20 and 10) both banked double-doubles.

Rookie Jackson had seven points and four assists in a strong Hawk debut.

Keep an eye on hawks.com.au for details on upcoming matches.

IMB Hawks 111 (Philip 25, Rigby 20, Davidson 19, Campbell 19) defeated AIA 83 (Carter 30, Graham 15)