“It means a lot to be around him every day.” “I just try to contribute in any way I can and if that’s one of them, then so be it,” he told CNN.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley masterminded the team’s dominant run through March Madness – in which it won each of its six tournament games by at least 10 points – and on the team, with him every step of the way, was his son, Andrew.Īndrew, a junior guard, featured only sparingly during the team’s progression through the tournament, but his dad says his son has a much more important role outside of his contribution’s on the court, explaining to CNN Sport’s Coy Wire that he is like his “therapist, always keeping me calm and focused.”Īndrew himself says that he’s just happy to play a part however he can. Hawkins and Reese weren’t the only family duo to feature prominently in the NCAA finals Hawkins celebrates during the second half of the men's national championship college basketball game against San Diego State. “We saw that as amazing … that we both get this opportunity and I mean the family reunion is going to be great so that’s all I know.” “It’s absolutely amazing, showing that kids that were our age at the time, we were dreaming about the same thing and we saw that it’s possible,” the 20-year-old said.

Hawkins expanded on the duo’s journey in the media conference after UConn had won its fifth men’s college basketball national title. When asked if he’d had any contact with Reese over the weekend, Hawkins said: “I wished her luck. Now you can do it, man,” Hawkins told game broadcaster CBS. “This is for all the kids from Gaithersburg, Maryland, that didn’t think they could do it. Dawkins says that their title victories are the culmination of a long journey which the pair will celebrate in style in the weeks to come. Reese’s hometown is Baltimore, Maryland, while Hawkins was born 42 miles away in Gaithersburg. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesĪngel Reese defends gesture directed towards Caitlin Clark after LSU national title win calls out double standard after being 'unapologetically' her DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Angel Reese #10 of the LSU Lady Tigers reacts towards Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on Apin Dallas, Texas.

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