Top 5 teams Coleman Hawkins dominated during his Illinois basketball career

2. Wisconsin Badgers: 7-0 (100% winning rate)

The top two teams on this list are in these spots because of their record, stats, and the general prestige of their program. Taking the No. 2 spot is the Wisconsin Badgers.

Just a half-decade ago, I never thought Illinois would win multiple games in a row, let alone the streak we are on now. Before Hawkins arrived in Champaign, the Illini had lost 15 out of the past 16 contests against the Badgers. He entered the fray and everything changed.

Not only did Illinois start winning games, but we haven’t lost to Wisconsin since Hawkins joined the program. Illinois has played seven games with Hawkins in the mix, and we are 7-0. The Illini are winning those seven games by an average of 9.6 points per game as well.

Out of the seven games, Hawkins started in four of those contests. He has nearly averaged a double-double, as he put up 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game in the four contests.

Hawkins’ shooting numbers against Wisconsin is what makes them a top two most dominated team on this list. He was able to knock down 48.4% of his shots from the field and went 8-of-17, 47.1%, from three-point range.

Growing up, I never thought Illinois would have a dominant run against Wisconsin. The Badgers were always a top team in the conference, and they always seemed to have our number. With Hawkins at the helm, that all changed.