Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Ohio State

2. Best game for Coleman Hawkins in a while

I would argue that Coleman Hawkins is one of the most confusing players I have ever watched play the sport of basketball.

There are times when I think Hawkins is one of the best players in college basketball. He is hitting three-pointers, passing the ball well, and running the court while creating for his teammates. That is the good Hawkins.

But then there is the bad Hawkins. I have seen him multiple times this season look lost on the court, take bad shots, and turn the ball over like it was his job. That is the Hawkins I hate to see on the court.

Against Ohio State, we got the good Hawkins. This was one of his best games in a while. He was present on the court. Hawkins would finish the game with 11 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal while shooting 5-of-10 from the field.

With Hawkins, I don’t look at how many points he puts up in a night to tell whether or not he had a good game. It is more about assists and turnovers with me. I think Hawkins could be a point guard if he wanted to be. He has good passing abilities, and when he does get into a groove passing the ball, Illinois seems to run better.

Hawkins finished with a 6.0 assist-to-turnover ratio against Ohio State. That was his best assist-to-turnover ratio he has had this season. The next closest was during his triple-double against Syracuse when he had a 5.0 assist-to-turnover ratio.

There is no doubt in my mind that Hawkins is a special player. I just need him to be a more consistent talent. He has all of the ability in the world.