Huge night for the Hawks as the club celebrates season 2021 in style

The Illawarra Hawks capped a memorable 2021 season with the club's annual awards night taking place at the Novotel North Beach in Wollongong on Wednesday night.

Players, coaches, life members, corporate partners, club staff and friends, family and followers of the Hawks were all in attendance as memories were exchanged and awards handed out after the side bowed out of championship contention in Monday night's semi-final series in Perth.

Illawarra Hawks Award Winners

Most Valuable Player - Tyler Harvey

Harvey was sensational for the Hawks across NBL21, finishing the year averaging 20.4ppg and 3.2apg while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Harvey also broke the league record for most three's made during a season (114) and was a finalist in the league MVP award. Harvey capped the year off by being named in the All-NBL First Team. 

Defensive Player of the Year - Justin Simon

Simon was a unanimous choice for the Defensive Player of the Year gong after leading the league in steals (67) in 2021. His seven-foot wingspan helping him secure almost two swipes per game as he embraced the challenge of guarding the opposition's best players night-in and night-out. Simon was the Hawks defensive barometer this season and his energy and enthusiasm on the defensive end was pivotal in the Hawks charge to the semi-finals.

Player’s Player -  AJ Ogilvy

The skipper had a wonderful season in his first year in charge of a young Illawarra Hawks squad, and was duly rewarded with the Player's Player award. Ogilvy averaged 5.2ppg, 5rpg, 1spg and 1.1bpg across 18 minutes per contest, and was recognised by Brian Goorjian as the 'heart and soul' of the Illawarra Hawks lineup. Ogilvy appeared in every for the squad this season, chalked up his 200th NBL appearance and led from the front both on and off the court.

Community Award - Tim Coenraad

Coenraad had a season like no other. The 36-year-old announced his retirement from basketball at the beginning of the 2021 season, and commenced a role as the Community Engagement officer with the Hawks. After injury ruined the season of big man Cam Bairstow, Coenraad was thrown a lifeline by coach Goorjian, with the 300-game superstar appearing in the Hawks final 12 games of the season. His role off the court has been phenomenal, with the Hawks legend helping cultivate relationships with the likes of Southern Youth and Family Services, Greenacres, Clontarf and Peoplecare.

Peoplecare Member’s Favourite - Tyler Harvey

Club Person of the Year - Aaron Anderson

Player Milestones

Sam Froling - 50 NBL Games

AJ Ogilvy - 200 NBL Games

Tyler Harvey - Most 3 pointers in an NBL season (114)

Akoldah Gak - U19 World Cup Selection

Brian Goorjian- Celebrating 750 NBL Games

The NBL also held it's yearly award presentation - this year via an online stream - with several Hawks being acknowledged.

Justin Simon picked up the Defensive Player of the Year award, Sam Froling was named Most Improved Player, while Tyler Harvey was named in the All NBL First Team.