Illinois Basketball Star Coleman Hawkins to Officially Transfer

Illinois Basketball Star Coleman Hawkins to Officially Transfer

Per multiple sources, Illinois Basketball star, Coleman Hawkins has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will enter the transfer portal. Coleman Hawkins has one year of eligibility and will put his NBA pursuit on hold. Hawkins will be one of the best players in college basketball and will be one of the hottest commodities in the transfer portal. Despite a possible avenue toward the NBA draft, Hawkins will make almost twice the amount of money with one more year in college basketball.

Hawkins had a solid time at the NBA draft combine. He earned player of the game after a scrimmage in which he scored 17 points on an efficient shot profile. The Sacramento native has all the tools necessary to succeed in the NBA, he just needs to play for the right situation. This same storyline will be present next year.

🚨BREAKING🚨

Former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins will withdraw from the NBA Draft and transfer, he told @TheFieldOf68. pic.twitter.com/5QT3IKejDk

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 30, 2024

What’s next for Illinois Basketball?

Illinois Basketball has already been prepared for this decision. Whether Hawkins returned to college basketball or not, the Illini knew that Coleman would not be in an Illinois jersey next year. Though he has remained extremely respectful and positive regarding his time in Champaign, it did not make much sense for Coleman Hawkins to return to Champaign after all of the roster additions.  Illinois basketball will now likely only have one player hear their name called in the 2024 NBA draft. That player is Terrence Shannon Jr.

Terrence Shannon Jr is a first-round talent, however, his ongoing legal situation does hold some effect on his draft stock. Shannon Jr will face trial on June 10th.

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