Former Illini Coleman Hawkins to Join the Golden State Warriors

Coleman Hawkins officially starts his NBA journey.

After going undrafted in Wednesday night’s 2025 NBA Draft, the former Illini and Kansas State Wildcat has agreed to join the Golden State Warriors’ Summer League roster next month. The deal is expected to be an Exhibit 10 contract, which gives Hawkins a shot in training camp and a path to the G-League, where he can compete for a two-way deal.

Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins is expected attend training camp with the Golden State Warriors, source told @thefieldof68.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 27, 2025

Just Getting Started: Coleman Hawkins

After four seasons in Champaign, Hawkins transferred to Kansas State for his final year of eligibility. This move raised eyebrows across the college basketball landscape at the time (especially for Illini fans) and ultimately produced mixed results.

Statistically, Coleman remained productive, averaging 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for the Wildcats in 2025. However, his shooting percentages dipped slightly (45% to 40% FG and 36% t0 30% from 3), and Kansas State stumbled to a 16–17 finish, and no NCAA Tournament bid. Ultimately, it was the first time in Hawkins’s college career that he didn’t dance in March.

Of course, Coleman had to make the best decision for himself and his family, and ultimately, a hefty NIL deal and a chance to increase his stock led him to Manhattan, KS.

Despite the somewhat rocky ending, there’s still a real opportunity ahead for Hawkins. The G-League can serve as a launchpad for players with Hawkins’ size and skillset, especially in a system like Golden State’s. If he performs well in July, there certainly could be a path forward for Hawkins to the NBA.

That said, if the NBA doesn’t work out, Hawkins still has a chance to make serious money playing overseas. At 6-foot-10 with his skillset, he fits the mold of what many international teams look for in a modern forward. Regardless, Coleman’s pro journey is just getting started.

Mar 28, 2024. Boston, MA. USA. Illinois Fighting Illini. Forward Coleman Hawkins (33) dunks the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones. Semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. TD Garden.  Credit: Brian Fluharty. USA TODAY Sports. Imagin.

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