Former Illinois Basketball Star Coleman Hawkins Sets First Visit

Former Illinois Basketball Star Coleman Hawkins Sets First Visit

Former Illinois Basketball Star, Coleman Hawkins, has set his first official visit after officially withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft. Per Joe Tipton of On3sports, Hawkins will officially visit Louisville this weekend. Coleman is one of the most sought-after transfers at this moment and he will undoubtedly receive a large amount of NIL money. The ACC program fits a lot of what Hawkins wants in a one-year destination. The Cardinals have deep NIL bags and have a solid football program as well.

Though it will pain Illinois Basketball fans to see Hawkins in another jersey, Coleman has remained vocal about his positive experiences at Illinois.

Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins, the top available forward in the portal, is visiting Louisville this weekend, his agent Nate Conley tells @On3sports.https://t.co/2FHs1o2qzT pic.twitter.com/OYTsSOqWZv

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 5, 2024

A strong fit for both parties.

The Illini have an intriguing frontcourt coming in to replace Coleman Hawkins. Morez Johnson and Carey Booth have intriguing athleticism and versatility that complement incoming European big man, Tomislav Ivišić, very well. When Coleman Hawkins discussed potential opportunities in the portal, he did state that he could not play in the Big Ten due to not wanting to play Illinois Basketball. Also, he leaned away from the Big East due to the lack of a football program.

Louisville would be an intriguing fit for the Sacramento native as Hawkins would have a sizeable role, while also being paid like the star that he is. As long as Hawkins is not in a Big Ten uniform, Illini fans will be at peace with his decision.

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