UConn’s Jordan Hawkins misses open practice before the Final Four

HOUSTON — UConn guard Jordan Hawkins, the NBA’s Final Four MVP, missed Friday’s Huskies Open practice due to an illness that teammates and staff described as a stomach bug.

Hawkins stayed at the team hotel on Friday to rest, and there was a belief throughout the program that he would be playing for the No. 4 Huskies against No. 5 Miami on Saturday night.

However, Hawkins’ absence on Friday sent a surprising spur of the moment media availability at NRG Stadium.

“I hope Jordan goes well or at least gives us something,” said coach Dan Hurley.

If Hawkins played, his health would be watched closely. Hurley said UConn has three doctors on the trip and they’re working hard to get Hawkins back to 100%. The illness is not related to COVID-19, according to school officials.

“Obviously we isolated him,” Hurley said. “I started to feel very uncomfortable last night. He obviously missed the day, he tells you he’s not feeling well.

“But, obviously, you’re hoping we can contain him in time. We got him out, we got his roommate out, and he’s obviously kept him off the team. I hope he doesn’t keep spreading.”

Hawkins is the second leading scorer at UConn with 16.3 points per game and is projected to finish 23rd overall in ESPN analyst Jonathan Givone’s latest mock draft. Hawkins is a sophomore from DeMatha’s popular Catholic program out of Washington, D.C. and arrived in the class of 2021 as ESPN’s 59th recruit.

He played some of the best basketball in the NCAA tournament, averaging 17.2 points per game. He peaked at the right time, scoring 24 points against Arkansas in the Sweet 16 and 20 against Gonzaga in the Elite Eight. He hit 6 out of 10 3-pointers against the Zags, which tied for the most in a game this season.

Freshman center Donovan Clingan said he didn’t realize Hawkins wasn’t coming to practice until he got on the team bus and saw Hawkins’ seat was empty.

“No matter if it’s 100% or 75% or whatever it is, I know Jordan is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played with,” Clingan said. “He’ll be there, ready to go tomorrow. Even if he isn’t, this team has a lot of depth and talent, and we’ll still be ready to go. It makes us think of anything different.”

Senior guard Joey Calcatera said he’d be surprised if Hawkins didn’t play on Saturday.

“I always feel good about who we’re going to put on the field,” Calcaterra said. “But we’ve got a great coaching staff, and they’ll be with him all day and get him ready to go. He won’t miss an opportunity like this.”