Kansas State has just landed a major coup in the form of former Illinois standout Coleman Hawkins, who has committed to play his final season of college basketball with the Wildcats. With an NIL deal reportedly worth over $2 million, Hawkins turned down offers from other schools that were offering at least $1.5 million.
Hawkins is considered one of the top 20 portal players in this year’s cycle and his addition is significant for a Kansas State program seeking a bounce-back season under coach Jerome Tang. After considering entering the NBA Draft, Hawkins decided to return to college and enter the transfer portal. This decision made him a highly sought-after player, with schools like North Carolina, LSU, and Louisville also vying for his commitment.
With his arrival, Kansas State hopes to elevate their offensive game and become a force in the new-look Big 12. The Wildcats are determined to build a competitive team that can compete at a high level, and the addition of Hawkins is a key step towards achieving that goal.
Kansas State has undergone significant changes thanks to a strong NIL program, adding notable players like Dug McDaniel, Achor Achor, Max Jones, and Ugonna Onyenso to their roster. With a mix of new talent and returning players like David N’Guessan, the Wildcats are looking to improve their offensive efficiency and return to NCAA tournament contention under Tang’s leadership.
Hawkins’ stats from his time at Illinois show his potential as a scorer, rebounder, and shooter, which will be valuable to a revamped Kansas State roster. The Wildcats are excited about what he brings to the table and believe he will be an important piece in their quest for success next season.
