The Hidden Hawkhead v6 - 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?

JUSTIN SIMON

IF...

This insane defensive stopper could develop a more consistent jump shot...

THEN...

He could very well find his way back onto an NBA roster. Three and D (defence) guys are still highly sought after in the modern day NBA and Simon has shown over the past month he has the defensive chops to smother the most insane offensive stars in the NBL. Over the past six games, Simon has been the primary defender on Josh Giddey (4 points), Tai Webster twice (9 and 14), Casper Ware (18), Bryce Cotton (18) and Chris Goulding (11) and has held that group of stars to 41% from the field. Simon leads the league in steals at 1.9 a game, and has the most blocks for all guards at 0.79 per contest. The 25-year-old gets his fair share of baskets in and around the paint courtesy of his pinches, fast breaks or putbacks, but his shot is still very much a work in progress (42% from the field and 27% from deep). If he could bump his three-point shooting up above the 35% mark, he'd have bigger league offers flooding in left, right and centre.

DANIEL GRIDA

IF...

The hand injury sustained by Grida againt the Breakers is as serious as it looked live...

THEN...

The Hawks may be without one of their most important pieces for the remainder of the season. While most eyes were fixated on Justin Simon at the end of the most recent Breakers game, the Hidden Hawkhead couldn't help but notice Grida crashing to the floor as he chased after a loose ball, only to emerge from the mad scramble holding his hand and desperate to get off the court. Coach Brian Goorjian said in Tuesday night's post-game press conference he was hopeful his energetic swingman might return "down the back stretch" of the season, but with crunch games coming thick and fast in the race to the playoffs, one can only imagine any kind of break in that hand would rule him out for a few weeks at least. Grida has been welcomed back into the fray with open arms from Goorjian - with the mastercoach citing his toughness, enthusiasm and defensive flexibility as key reasons for the Hawks strong defensive displays in recent times.

AKOLDAH GAK

IF...

Gak's ceiling is as high as many around the world think it is...

THEN...

We may not get to see him in Illawarra colours for much longer. Gak is currently on a development player contract with the Hawks, and his recent inclusion in the Australian U19 World Championship squad is great reward for a season of hard work, sacrifice and patience. The youngest member of the Hawks NBL squad has played less than 10 minutes across his rookie season, but has trained day-in and day-out with the side - all while he continues to finish his high school studies. The 18-year-old was earlier this year included in ESPN's Top 100 High School Prospect List and although he's signed a multi-year deal with the Hawks, selection and then a good showing in Latvia in July at the World Champs could firmly put the Sydney-born product on the radars of many of America's biggest and best colleges. 

TIM COENRAAD

IF...

The return of Coenraad to the Illawarra Hawks lineup is good for only one thing...

THEN...

It will be to add a calming and experienced presence to a locker room devoid of just that. Coenraad has been around the block a few times (313 NBL games and counting) and has seen enough important basketball games to know this run to the playoffs will still require the team to navigate a few more troughs and triumphs if they are to feature beyond the side's final regular season game against the Kings on June 3. At 35, Coenraad is the oldest member of the Hawks lineup, and joins captain AJ Ogilvy (32) as the only other player over the age of 30. The Hawks 300+ game superstar has spent time in the Boomers and Australian 3x3 programs, and started his own coaching business in retirement, so will have a wealth of knowledge and lived big game experience to call upon if and when this young side needs him.