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In 24 hours, cousinsAngel Reeseand Jordan Hawkins became college basketball champions.
Reese, 20, helped LSU beat the University of Iowa in Sunday’s NCAA women’s basketball championship game. And the next day, 20-year-old Hawkins and UConn defeated San Diego State University for the men’s title.
After Monday’s win, Reese sent a text to Hawkins congratulating him — and he said they are already planning how to celebrate.
“[She] said she was proud of me,” Hawkins toldToday. “We both said we need to go home right away for the cookout. I know it’s going to be crazy. The whole family is going to be there.”
PerToday, the cousins are both from Maryland. Hawkins grew up in Gaithersburg, near Washington D.C., and attended DeMatha Catholic High School. Meanwhile, Reese grew up near Baltimore and went to St. Frances Academy.
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After his win, Hawkins paid tribute to his cousin and said he hoped to inspire other children from his hometown.
“I’m going to see her in Maryland soon,” he added. “The cookout gone be lit.”
After her win, Reese talked about the criticism she received during the season and explained that she, like Hawkins, hoped to inspire young players.
RELATED VIDEO: LSU Star Angel Reese Responds to Critics: ‘This Is for The Girls That Look Like Me’
“All year I was critiqued about who I was,” shesaid. “I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit in the box that you all want me to be in. I’m too hood, I’m too ghetto. You told me that all year. But when other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing.”
She added: “So this is for the girls that look like me, that want to speak up on what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you. It was bigger than me tonight. I’m happy. I felt I helped grow women’s basketball.”
source: people.com
