The Perth-born forward who played 44 games for the Kings before linking with the Hawks last season enjoyed a breakout campaign under coach Rob Beveridge picking up the club’s Most Improved award.

The 25-year-old proved a huge bench X factor last season averaging 6.03 points and 2.59 rebounds a game proving a clutch three-point shooter at various stages shooting a career high 35.7% from beyond the arc.

He also produced career-best stats in both assists and steals as he forced his way into Beveridge’s starting five by season’s end.

Beveridge said the retention one of the league’s genuine up and coming talents was a priority, particularly after losing three-point aces Kevin Lisch and Kirk Penney thus far in the free agency period.

“I am really pleased that Cody has made the decision to return to the Hawks and continue his development,” Beveridge said.

“He has an exceptional basketball IQ, and possesses multiple skills that make him an extremely versatile player at both ends of the court”.  

“I think we’ll see Cody be a tremendous contributor to the Hawks and a real stand out player in the league over the next two seasons.”

Currently playing in Perth in the SBL, Ellis is averaging 26.75 points, eight rebounds and three assists for the Stirling Senators. He will head back to the Illawarra at the conclusion of the SBL season to begin preparing for his second season in Wollongong.

The addition of Ellis brings the Illawarra Hawks to four contracted players for the upcoming next season, with the club having already retained star big-man AJ Ogilvy and back-court duo Kevin White and Rhys Martin.

The news of Ellis’s re-signing was tempered this week by confirmation that livewire guard Jarrad Weeks won’t return to Wollongong next season having been picked up by Cairns since becoming a free agent.

Ging by the moniker Agent 97, Weeks quickly became a fan favourite at the WIN Entertainment Centre with his stature-defying dunks and high energy play. 

But with Martin and White both re-signing and Beveridge having stated the intention of bringing in an import guard to replace Lisch, Weeks would’ve enjoyed limited court-time had he stayed in Wollongong.

The Hawks have also been linked to displaced Townsville pair Nick Kay – last season’s NBL Rookie of the Year – and Mitch Norton.

The club’s three import spots also remain open.