Bowen arrived in Australia as a replacement for Juaquin Hawkins less than two weeks ago, watching from the bench in civilian clothes as the Blaze notched their maiden win of the season last Wednesday against Townsville.

The American forward made his debut against the league-leading South Dragons three nights later, showing why Blaze coach Brendan Joyce rates him so highly with 26 points, eight rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes.

While Gold Coast guards Shane Heal and James Harvey will be primary defensive targets for the Hawks, the athletic Bowen looms as a major threat.

"I saw the tape of Bowen's game against the Dragons and he looks like a quality player who can put the ball in the basket," Cooks said.

"He can put it on the floor and create his own shot, he shoots the three fairly well. He's definitely a guy we're going to have to pay close attention to.

"He kind of reminds me of a (former New Zealand Breakers import) Carlos Powell-type of player, although Bowen is more guard-orientated than Powell.

"We hang our hat on our pressure defence, so obviously we'll try and pressure him to see how his fitness is going, especially given the fact it'll be Gold Coast's second game in three days."

The Hawks (6-5) are fifth on the NBL ladder and have won their past two games.

Their last win was on the road over Cairns on November 1, and Cooks believes his side is stinging to play again.

"Training has certainly been testy over the last few days and the guys have been getting up each other because they're probably a little tired of each other, but the signs I take from that are all positive," he said.

"It reminds me of the trainings we used to have when I played with Ballarat (in the ABA). It'd get real physical and guys would beat the hell out of each other, but everyone got along real well and had a lot of respect for each other. "That's how it is with this (Hawks) team. Training has been very physical and competitive, but they're all real good friends and it's a very healthy and happy team environment.

"We've had a fairly long break, and until you get out there and the lights come on in a game situation, you never know if you're going to be rusty or ready to go. The positive signs are that our trainings has been very intense and our scrimmages have been of a high quality."

The Blaze will train in Wollongong today after taking on the Sydney Spirit last night at Homebush.