The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Center Okongwu won’t get ahead of himself
Hawk just focused on adding to his game bit by bit.
‘People are going to have expectations for me. I have expectations for myself.’ Onyeka Okongwu Hawks center
The Hawks saw a breakout last season from young center Onyeka Okongwu. As Okongwu enters his third season with the team, the Hawks look to the 21-yearold to add more facets to his game.
This summer, Okongwu has appeared to work on jumpers in videos posted on social media. It’s something he promised to do following the Hawks’ first-round exit from the playoffs last season.
Online chatter has fans excited about Okongwu’s potential to stretch the floor. But the Hawks center said he won’t get too far ahead of himself regarding the offseason work and the additions he’s made.
“People are going to have expectations for me,” Okongwu said. “I have expectations for myself. The front office has expectations of myself, and that’s what really matters, you know, my expectations ... what my team wants me to do. So, obviously, I’m trying to add what I can, but I’m just not to get ahead of myself.”
Okongwu has been using the summer to work on his conditioning.
In April, Hawks head of basketball operations Travis Schlenk laid out his expectations for Okongwu.
He said that he wanted Okongwu to improve as a defensive rebounder.
Schlenk added that Okongwu’s improvement on the defensive glass, paired with his ability to block shots, make switches on pick-androlls and guard on the perimeter, could help him develop into an ALL-NBA defensive performer.
On offense, Schlenk said he believes Okongwu had the ability to knock shots down from midrange. Then, as Okongwu continues to develop, there is hope that he can make jump shots from the corner.
Okongwu said he’s striving to round out his game.
“I’m definitely striving to try and be the player I want to be for the eventual future, whether it be shooting, dribbling, I’m trying to be a complete player, really hit everything on the court, offensively and defensively,” he said. “And most importantly, though, try to be in the best shape ever.”
Until it all comes together, Okongwu will keep following the advice of veteran players who were on the team with him in the past two seasons.
“My philosophy is to keep the main thing, the main thing,” Okongwu said. “You know, I got to this point for a reason. I got drafted by this team for a reason. So, I definitely make sure I do what I do, but adding on something every year, every year, just add a little something. ... Just show everybody that you’ve been working hard, trying to be a better player.”
The Hawks will open the season Oct. 19 against the Rockets, and Okongwu has a couple of dates from the season circled. Those are the Hawks’ matchups against the Lakers ( Jan. 6) and Clippers ( Jan. 8), when he’ll return home. Okongwu is from Chino Hills, Calif.
“I look forward to going home, playing in front of my crowd, playing in front of my moms,” he said.
He has also eyed the games against the Hornets, where he gets the opportunity to face off against former Chino Hills High School teammate Lamelo Ball. “I can’t wait for it.”