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Jeff Borzello, ESPN writer
Former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkinsthe best player left in the transfer portal, announced on Friday that he has committed to Kansas State.
Hawkins visited the Wildcats’ campus last weekend after a scheduled trip to louisville it was cancelled. A next visit to L.S.U. It was also canceled, leaving coach Jerome Tang’s program as the clear favorite.
The 6-foot-9 Hawkins is coming off his best college season, averaging 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He shot 36.9% from 3-point range and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention as Illinois reached the Elite Eight.
He played his best basketball in Big Ten action, finishing with 30 points against Iowa and score at least 20 in four other games.
Following the season, Hawkins entered his name in the NBA draft before joining the transfer portal in late April. Upon entering the portal, he said that his “intention is 100% to remain in the draft.” But Hawkins withdrew his name just before the deadline and became the most sought-after transfer still on the board.
He is number 10 in ESPN’s transfer rankings.
Tang has now added eight portal players this spring. He has completely renewed his attacking zone, also signing the striker Acor Acor of Samford and shot blocker Ugonna Onyenso of Kentucky. Michigan transfer Dug McDaniel will run the show as point guard.
Kansas State took a step back in Year 2 under Tang, going from the Elite Eight in 2023 to missing the NCAA Tournament in 2024. But the Wildcats’ rebuilt roster has them in position to return to the tournament in 2024-25, and potentially ranked in the top 25.