UConn star Jordan Hawkins will play, be in starting lineup vs. Miami

Connecticut Huskies star Jordan Hawkins is looking likely to play in tonight’s Final Four matchup with the Miami Hurricanes. According to CBS Sports writer Matt Norlander’s sources, the star wing will suit up and even start for UConn in Houston tonight despite Hawkins having dealt with a non-COVID illness all week.

Here was Norlander’s report, which he shared on Twitter:

“UConn’s Jordan Hawkins is ‘a go’ to play tonight, source reiterates to CBS Sports — and he will be in the starting lineup, barring any late change. Hawkins’ shooting ability is a key component for UConn tonight against Miami.”

So Hawkins planning to play and is “a go” per Norlander’s people. What he doesn’t specify is how close to fully healthy Hawkins will be. Unlike typical bodily injuries, illnesses can be easier to play through, since your actual body isn’t physically limited in any way. However, Hawkins could get fatigued a lot quicker or be short of breath or just not have the same lift and hustle as usual.

So, it’s anyone’s guess what version of Hawkins UConn will be getting tonight. Now, what Norlander did specify is what the Huskies will gain — or, just not lose — is Hawkins’ elite shooting. He scores 16 points a game and knocks down an average of three 3s a game on 38% shooting. Alongside a few other gunners off the bench, Hawkins leads a pretty good shooting team for UConn. But without him, that floor spacing and efficiency from deep takes a major hit.

Dan Hurley needed Hawkins in the lineup tonight. Even if he’s nowhere near 100%, then at least Hurley could use him like the Bulls did Scottie Pippen when he mangled his back during the 1998 Finals against the Jazz and Phil Jackson used him as a decoy for the entirety of Game 6, which the Bulls won to take home to the trophy. All that to say: his presence as a shooter means more to the offense than the shots he actually makes.

UConn likes to spread teams out, jack threes and let Adama Sanogo eat on the glass and in the post. In order to make good on the first part of that formula, they’ll need Hawkins outside.