If any player had the right to question the Hawks' character after Monday's defeat to the Sydney Kings, it was AJ Ogilvy.
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The talented centre led his side with 20 points and five rebounds, but didn't mince his words in his assessment of the Illawarra’s 90-73 loss at Qudos Bank Arena.
The last remaining member of the club’s ‘big-three’ from last season questioned his team’s desire and challenged the squad’s respect for the Hawks jersey.
"We haven't been doing [the non-negotiables]," Ogilvy said. "Last year we had guys who came in and gave their heart and soul every game.
“This year, tonight especially we didn't have that.
"We were out there just playing and didn't look like we had the desire.
"Last year we were proud to put on the Illawarra Hawks uniform.
"This year I don't feel the same about our team."
Ogilvy had 16 of his 20 points in a dominant first half display, but could only manage four in the second half as Illawarra went off the boil.
"Third quarter they just took us out of our stuff, denied us and we just went soft," Ogilvy said.
"We threw the ball away, didn't get open, they got steals and turnovers and rammed it back down our throats.
“They got steals, points and we got blown out of the water.
"We retreated back into our shell instead of stepping up and playing like men.
"That's what cost us the game."
Illawarra finished with 21 turnovers for the match.