The Hidden Hawkhead v3 - Who and what will be on their radar today?

Each week 'The Hidden Hawkhead' will dissect some of the biggest storylines coming out of the Illawarra Hawks. Who and what will be on their radar today?

AJ OGILVY

IF...

Hawks fans keep a close eye on the captain during this home stretch of games...

THEN...

They will grow a new found appreciation for just how valuable he is to this young side. Ogilvy continues to get his hands dirty on both ends of the court and the true beauty of his influence this season is he takes on whatever role coach Goorjian hands to him. That might be playing an expanded role like he did against United where he finished with eight rebounds (four of them offensive), two steals and a block to go with four points in a tick over 26 minutes. Or logging sparing minutes and providing leadership and positive communication from the bench. He boxes out, blocks and get boards. Deflects, directs and dictates if needed. He's playing a true captain's role and he deserves more credit for it.

DENG DENG

IF...

The Hawks shooting was broken against United on Sunday...

THEN...

More usage out of Deng Deng could help fix the problem. As it stands, only 'Next Star' Justinian Jessup is shooting at a higher percentage (45%) from three than Deng Deng. The former King has shot 41% from beyond the arc so far this season and although he's currently only tossing up two and a half attempts per game - maybe Deng can capably fill the three or four position and add another long range weapon to coach Goorjian's aresenal. Deng Adel and Justin Simon are both in front of him on the depth chart at the moment, but with the pair having on and off nights with their stroke this season, maybe Goorjian can go to Deng Deng a little more.

JUSTIN SIMON

IF...

The 'Cotton Stopper' nickname is to be believed...

THEN...

Mr Simon will do a number on 'Aussie Bryce' on Friday night in Perth in front of the Red Army. In the Hawks 4-0 start to the season we saw Simon in full flight as he shutdown offensive weapons with aplomb and had many around the league already crowning him Defensive Player of the Year. The Hawks hype may have dimmed a little as they fall back to the pack - but Simon's defensive intensity and focus hasn't waned. Last time these two side's met, the Hawks as a collective kept Cotton fairly quiet, but the star guard has been in stellar form since - helping the Wildcats climb to the top of the NBL ladder. Interestingly, Simon leads the league in steals with 1.94 a game, with Cotton just behind him with 1.87 per contest.

HAWKS FANS

IF...

Hawkheads are serious about getting behind our team...

THEN...

We will turn out in our droves to watch our boys finally play at the WEC. Us Hawks fans have been dealt several tough blows this season. First we had to wait and see if our great team would even remain in the Illawarra after the previous ownership fell through. COVID ruined the start of the season and forced our boy's to head South and then North for the first few months of the year. We fought long and hard for the return of the Illawarra name and it was rightly returned.. And then the NBL Cup derailed any plans we had of actually watching out team play after such an exciting start to the year. We don't have any excuses left and our team needs us now more than ever. We could actually play finals basketball this season - and this stretch of home games could go a long way to deciding if we do or not. So c'mon Hawkheads, buy a ticket, bring a friend or two and get behind the best Illawarra sporting team we have left.