Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Chattanooga

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Mar 18, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chattanooga Mocs guard Malachi Smith (13) has his shot blocked late in the game by Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. The Illini won 54-53. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Coleman Hawkins saved the day

There is very little I can take from this game and be happy about. Illinois played one of the worst games of the season at the worst time.

But there were a couple of bright spots on the Illini roster. One of those bright spots was Coleman Hawkins. He stepped his game up in a huge way and was arguably the best player on the court for the Orange and Blue.

Thinking back, there was only about a two-minute stretch where Hawkins played bad basketball. It was a rough stretch, but for the rest of the time he was on the court, he was sensational.

Hawkins would finish the Chattanooga game with 10 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one huge block at the end of the game that might have saved the Illini from getting eliminated.

There was one thing that Hawkins did that isn’t technically showing up on the stat line. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate his hustle on the court. For the entire first half, it was like Hawkins was the only Illinois player who cared to be playing basketball. He was hustling everywhere and it saved Illinois points numerous times.

We are just starting to see what Hawkins is going to be in the future. He is going to be a centerpiece for the Illini next season and beyond. The kid has so much talent. He saved Illinois.

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