Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Marquette

2. Where in the world is Coleman Hawkins

Illinois has struggled in the first half of games this season, but we tend to storm back and take the lead midway through the second half. A big part of the slow starts has to do with the play of Coleman Hawkins.

Coming into the 2023-24 campaign, Hawkins was looked at as one of the leaders on the Illinois basketball team. He declared for the NBA Draft but pulled his name out to improve his game and reenter the following year.

Hawkins coming back should have proved to be a great thing for the Illini. I believe there is a chance it does end up being a good thing. But, as of right now, he has been terrible for this program as far as production is concerned.

Through three games, Hawkins is averaging 4.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Those are good numbers and are similar to that of Da’Monte Williams. But Hawkins is supposed to be a much better player than Williams. We need this kid to be a superstar.

I believe Hawkins is trying to do too much. There have been a couple of times this season where he has let the game come to him, and that is when he has played his best. But for the vast majority of the season, he is trying to force the ball into gaps that aren’t there, taking bad three-point shots that kill offensive flow, and isn’t playing quality basketball.

Hawkins is 1-of-7 from three-point range and has nine turnovers through three games. That is not a good combination. I am also not a huge fan of his mentality on the court. Hawkins is supposed to be a leader, but he is more worried about getting a call or not getting his. That mentality needs to change.