SATURDAY night saw a strong performance from the Hawks but what had to be most encouraging for coach Rob Beveridge was the cameo from AJ Ogilvy.
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In what’s been a very much up and down season, the Hawks have really started to hit their straps in recent weeks and will like their chances of forcing their way into the playoffs.
Ogilvy is the last key piece of that puzzle. You can certainly throw Mitch Norton into that discussion as well but the Hawks have done a fairly good job of covering him in the back-court.
Ogilvy’s absence in the front-court has been more conspicuous. Beveridge has frequently referred to Ogilvy as his “franchise player.” It’s why he was the only player re-signed for three years after Beveridge’s first season in charge.
Prior to season tip-off, the star big man had never looked more focused and keyed in. It showed in 22 points and 11 rebounds in his side’s season-opener.
He’s since battled an ongoing battle for full fitness. A hip/groin injury is no small fry when you’re 6 ft 11. Excessive travel demands, like those faced by the Hawks early on, also take a larger toll on the big men.
Delvon Johnson has stepped up admirably as a replacement but, for the Hawks to go to that next level, they need Ogilvy at his best. Let’s remember, at his best, he’s been All-NBL first team in all of his three seasons in the NBL – a distinction he shares with the great Phil Smyth alone.
It makes his eight points, four boards and three blocks in 15 minutes – not to mention a stoush with well-credentialed Breakers import Rakeem Christmas –encouraging.
“DJ’s got an ankle strain. I thought it was his knee at the time but it’s actually his ankle,” Beveridge said.
“He’s pretty sore but it’s just another one of those things we’ve got to deal with. The good thing is, we got a good 15 minutes out of AJ.
“He’s still very rusty but he made some massive plays for us with some blocks and played with emotion and heart.
“That’s what you want from your players and I thought he ticked a really good box. We saw a really good mindset from him tonight and that’s only going to help us as we move towards the playoffs.”
While Johnson has stepped up through Ogilvy’s fitness struggles the real silver lining has been the red-hot form of Nick Kay.
He was the Hawks best against New Zealand on Saturday with 20 points, 9 rebounds and three assists and has averaged 16 points and five rebounds in his past six outings.
The strong form of Cody Ellis since re-entering the rotation has also allowed Beveridge to play Kay in the five spot, further evidence of the Boomers rep’s versatility.
“Nick’s a massive focal point our team, we want the ball in his hands,” Beveridge said.
“He’s a great decision-maker, he does all the little things that a lot of people probably don’t appreciate but I do as a coach.
“He’s our glue player and he makes things happen for us. He’s had a great season. We’re playing a lot better the last few weeks and a lot of it has to do with Nick.”