Coleman Hawkins Continues Playing Through Pain in Illini’s NCAA Tournament Run

Illinois senior forward Coleman Hawkins says he’s more intensely monitoring an injury situation to his left leg that has hampered most of his 2023-24 season. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 23, 2024

OMAHA, Neb. — During each of the three open locker room sessions of this NCAA Tournament, Coleman Hawkins has sat on the stool in front of his locker while constantly rubbing, stretching and extending his left leg. 

“It felt like (Thursday) I was playing on one working leg,” Hawkins said Friday. “I’m not going to lie. That game against Morehead State got to me . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

Listen

573 The 2026 NCAA Tournament Show

Listen

572 Illini Lose Big Lead vs Badgers

Listen

3.13.26 Wagler All-B1G & All-American & Sturdy Fires Up Underwood

Listen

571 Illini "Smash" the Terps

Listen

3.6.26 Illini Hoops Update & March Madness Begins

Listen

570 Illini Feast on Ducks

Listen

2.27.26 - Reaction to Illini Loss to Michigan, Deon Thomas & More

Listen

569 Illini Fall to B1G Champs 84-70

Listen

568 Illini Hoops Update

Listen

567 Illini Fall to Bruins 95-94 in OT

Listen

2.20.26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops Update

Listen

566 Illini Slay Trojans

Listen

565 Illini Defeat Hoosiers 71-51 in Boswell’s Return

Listen

2.13.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Hauck new DC & Pete Babcock

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.