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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Ohio State

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 24: Cedric Russell #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives to the basket against Alfonso Plummer #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at State Farm Center on February 24, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 24: Cedric Russell #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes drives to the basket against Alfonso Plummer #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at State Farm Center on February 24, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Feb 24, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Coleman Hawkins was sensational

As a team, Illinois played pretty well. We had some big-time players step up when needed. We also had a reserve who came up big in a big spot.

Kofi Cockburn was in foul trouble early and often. Illinois needed him on the court, but he only played 24 minutes and ended up fouling out of the game. That eliminates a lot of size we had on the court.

But, thankfully, Coleman Hawkins swooped in and was the star of the night. Despite the loss, I was super impressed with what Hawkins did on the court. He was one of the major reasons why the Illini was so close to coming back at the end.

Hawkins was flying around the court, no pun intended. He was giving it his all and playing with more heart than I have seen an Illini player play with in years. This effort showed out on the stat sheet as well.

By the end of the game, Hawkins would get 26 minutes of action and put up 10 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists. He was 3-of-5 from the field and made 4-of-7 from the charity stripe.

I am pretty comfortable with saying that this was Hawkins’ best game with the Illini. He hustled and was extremely efficient. He didn’t look lost on the court either. If we can get this Hawkins from here on out, then Illinois has a shot to do something special.

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