... a lot of the people attacking Hawkins... Sorry. Sick of the negativity.
Hawkins has not played at a consistent level all Season. But there is one thing about his game that nobody can criticize. This guy CARES. He plays his hind-quarters off when on the floor. Sometimes he cares a bit too much... like when he misses a free throw or does something else on the court and he gets that frustrated look.
Missing a shot or messing up now and then is just part of the game. You can't get down on yourself and you shouldn't outwardly show frustration because that feeds your Opposition when they know they are getting into your head like that. And it sends a negative message to your teammates.
Hawkins needs to relax and let his natural talent flow. He needs to dial back his getting frustrated. The same can be said for Melendrez. Both of these guys are talented but they are letting their own negativity at times sabotage their games. Melendrez looked afraid today to even look for a Three chance.
The Illini are going to need both of these guys at their best to do anything special this coming March. The Illini are not going very deep into the bench so all the guys who see floor time have to raise the level of their play.
Bottom Line: You want guys on the floor who CARE. The Illini have that. The rest of things can then be worked out.