×
Feb 24, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Coleman Hawkins Has Monster Game vs Iowa

By Kirkland Chappell Feb 26, 2024 | 5:08 PM

Hawkins Thoughts on Iowa

In Illinois Basketball’s post game press conference, Coleman was very real with media on how he handled the criticism. There was plenty  that was handed to him after the Penn State loss, and the Illini forward responded well. “Man, I had to delete some apps, just get off social media, and limit who I talk to.” says Hawkins. “Try not to make any excuses for myself, and just be a man really. Just man up, and on to the next you know? That’s what I did tonight.” says the Illini big man.

When responding to the critics, Coleman has a lot of confidence. “A lot of people said, and would say, whatever they had to say, you know? I’m curious to see how they would have responded if they were me.” Hawkins quoted. “I thought I did a good job of being tough, and going out there tonight, and letting everything go.”

Underwood’s Thoughts on Hawkins vs Iowa

During his opening statements to the media, Coach Brad Underwood addressed Hawkins, and the week he has endured since the Penn State diabolical. “I am incredibly proud of Coleman.” says the Illini head coach. “The growth, the maturity, its a great bounce back from the other night. Obviously on a night where Marcus and Terrance didn’t have their best.” says coach Underwood.

When asked again by Jeremy Werner of 247 sports about Coleman’s efforts leading into this game, Underwood had more gleaming remarks for his athletic 5-man. “We had a get real conversation, and I am really happy with him and his response.” quoted Underwood. “He practiced great, and its just the correlation that happens when the mind is right, and the mental approach is right, and it was not at Penn State.” says Brad. The Illini head coach said “He knows that, he also has to understand the impact that has on everybody at this university, every fan, every teammate, and it bigger than just him.” says Underwood. He finished by saying “I couldn’t be happier, Coleman was fantastic today.”

 

Comments

Leave a Reply