Jordan Hawkins: 'No reason to be concerned' about availability for Monday
UConn star guard Jordan Hawkins did not practice Friday in the lead up to the Huskies’ Final Four matchup against Miami due to a non-COVID illness. But Hawkins was still able to start and play during UConn’s 72-59 victory over Miami.
After the victory, Hawkins was asked if there was anything that might impact his availability for the championship game versus San Diego State.
“I feel great,” Hawkins said. “No reason to be concerned on Monday.”
Hawkins was one of just two players in double figures for the Huskies on Saturday with Adama Sanogo. But it was a group effort for UConn, which saw all eight of its main rotation players score at least four points.
Sanogo had a game-high 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds for a double-double. Hawkins had 13 points on 3 of 8 from the field. Both players played just 26 minutes.
The Huskies now get the Aztecs, winners of the other semifinal on a game-winning buzzer beater.
“I know how they guard,” UConn head coach Dan Hurley said after the game. “I’m hoping my brother Bob is going to give me a lot of that West Coast intel. He’s played them a couple of times. They’re a great team, one of the best teams in the country. Brian is one of the best pure coaches in the country. I think it’s fitting that both of us earned our way into this title game.”
Jordan Hawkins is a key to the UConn squad
Jordan Hawkins is UConn’s second-leading scored behind Adama Sanogo at 16.2 points per game. He shoots 40.6% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 88.3% from the free throw line.
He and Sanogo were named to the All-Big East first team.
Hawkins was also named as a finalist for the Jerry West Award along with Baylor‘s Adam Flagler, Kansas‘ Gradey Dick, Houston‘s Marcus Sasser and Miami‘s Isaiah Wong.
Two players who Hawkins has been able to have as mentors are two of UConn’s most famous alums in fellow shooting guards Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton. Hamilton led the Huskies to their first national championship in 1999.
“Meeting them is a blessing, for sure,” Hawkins told reporters ahead of the Final Four. “As soon as I got to UConn, I knew those were the type of guys that played here. I had to live up to that standard. It’s amazing I’ve got these two guys in my corner. I can go to them anytime and ask them a question about how I can get my jump shot off quicker. It’s an amazing feeling, and I’m just blessed to have those two.”