Coleman Hawkins Focused On The Next Level After Senior Season Ends

Shandel Richardson | Apr 1, 2024

Mar 30, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) dribbles the ball in Saturday's loss to UConn - Brian Fluharty/USA Today Sports / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Coleman Hawkins is apparently done as an Illinois Fighting Illini basketball player.

Saturday's loss to the UConn Huskies is likely his last game for the Illini unless he has a late change of heart. In a postgame interview with the Illini Inquirer, Hawkins hinted he is ready to test his abilities at the next level.

"I think this was my last year in an Illinois uniform," Hawkins said. "I think a time comes where every good thing must come to an end. I feel like I put a lot into this program. It's not against anybody. I'm a senior obviously so I have options, but me personally I feel like I want to really start developing and getting a lot better at basketball."

Hawkins is listed as a late, second-round pick by most NBA draft analysts. He is projected as the No. 54 pick by NBAdraft.net. He withdrew from the draft last year, deciding to return for his senior season. He has the option of another year at Illinois because of the NCAA granting players an extra year due to the COVID season.

But Hawkins seems to have his mind made up. The 6-foot-10 forward has to improve his offensive game if he is going to impress NBA scouts. He could get that opportunity next month at the NBA draft combine in Chicago.

Coleman averaged 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds on 45 percent shooting this season. He also shot 36 percent from the 3-point line. While he prepares for the future, Illini coach Brad Underwood couldn't help but reflect on what Hawkins has meant to the program the past four years.

"He spent four years. It's going through the growth. It's the process of you get them as a boy, and they leave as a man," Underwood said. "Hopefully, along the way, there's some life lessons learned not just on the basketball court.
But his development on the basketball court speaks for itself. I don't need to talk about that. We're not here if it's not for him. He's been a stabilizing force in our program, not just as a player but as a guy in the locker room. High character, tough, resilient, and really good."