By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL – For a program-best fifth time this season, and for the second-straight week, an Illinois State men’s basketball player is the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, as senior forward Deontae Hawkins earned league recognition, the conference office announced Monday.
Monday’s honor was the first of the season for Hawkins and the second of his career (previously earned Feb. 8, 2016). The Dayton, Ohio, native is one of three Redbirds to have earned the honor this season: Paris Lee (Dec. 5, Dec. 19, Feb. 13); MiKyle McIntosh (Jan. 16). Illinois State’s five MVC Player of the Week awards this season marks the most in program history, with ISU previously earning four in 2000-01 and 2012-13. Monday’s honor also signified the second time in which the Redbird have earned MVC Player of the Week laurels in back-to-back weeks (it also occurred in 1995-96).
Hawkins averaged a team-best 17.5 points per game – on a team-high 15-for-23 (65.2 percent) shooting effort from the field – with 7.0 rebounds per contest to lead Illinois State (23-5, 15-1 MVC) in two more Missouri Valley Conference victories last week. Hawkins shot 3-for-7 (42.9 percent) from beyond the arc and 2-for-2 at the free throw line. He also averaged 1.5 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest.
In Illinois State’s win against Loyola Chicago (Feb. 19), Hawkins recorded a double-double with 16 points – on 7-for-9 (77.8 percent) shooting – plus 11 rebounds. With less than four seconds remaining and the game tied, 63-63, Hawkins was fouled and went to the free throw line where he made both pressure-packed free throws, which proved to be the difference in ISU’s 65-63 victory. Not only did Hawkins score the Redbirds’ final two points, but he also started the game by netting Illinois State’s first six points to build an early 6-2 advantage. Additionally, Hawkins recorded one block and one assist.
In ISU’s victory at Missouri State (Feb. 15), Hawkins scored a game-high 19 points on 8-for-14 (57.1 percent) shooting from the field, including a 3-for-5 (60.0 percent) effort from beyond the arc. He also collected three rebounds, dished two assists and forced one steal. In the second half, after MSU regained an eight-point lead, 43-35, the Redbirds manufactured a 12-2 run to take a 47-45 advantage on a Hawkins 3-pointer at the 11:38 mark. The teams proceeded to exchange baskets for the next eight minutes until, with the game tied 60-60, Illinois State went on a 7-2 run from 3:14 until 1:46 to take a 67-62 lead on back-to-back Hawkins field goals.
Hawkins is now averaging a team-best 14.6 points per game on 153-for-325 (47.1 percent) shooting from the field. He is also averaging 6.9 rebounds per contest. With two regular-season games remaining, Hawkins and the Redbirds return to Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena for a Senior Day showdown versus Southern Illinois Wednesday at 6 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to watch on-court Senior Day recognition beginning at approximately 5:45 p.m.
