Coleman Hawkins is leaving Illinois after spending four years with the program. The talented forward has been mulling his future over throughout the last few months, testing both the transfer market and the NBA Draft.
Earlier this week, he removed his name from the draft pool, opting to run it back one last time at the NCAA level.
That final season won’t come as a member of the Illini.He’s made the decision to stay in the portal and finish his playing career outside of the Big Ten.
Hawkins was a major contributor in Champaign, making 68 regular season starts over the last two campaigns. Last year, he averaged a career-high 12.1 points per night while adding 6.1 boards.
The Illini made the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons on campus, but now, he’ll look to do so elsewhere.
Hawkins is looking for another suitor, and he claims to have seen no shortage of interest. The school he ultimately decides to attend, though, must meet one particular stipulation.
While a lucrative NIL deal is at the forefront, his next university must also have a football team – and preferably, an entertaining one!
Here’s what he had to say earlier this month when discussing that transfer decision.
With Coleman Hawkins withdrawing from the NBA Draft, the now former #Illini is in the portal. His thoughts earlier this month about a new school:
“I will never play in the Big Ten again, I wouldn’t play in the Big East. I would go somewhere where I can enjoy a football game” pic.twitter.com/q1AgGD6GFU
— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret)
“I will never play in the Big Ten again,” he said, ruling out the possibility of playing for a rival. “I wouldn’t play in the Big East. I would go somewhere where I can enjoy a football game.”
Big Ten football broke Coleman Hawkins!
That’s understandable given his previous affiliation. Attending Illinois has forced him to tune into a LOT of Big Ten West football. Yes, the division most known for its offensive struggles and low-scoring affairs.
While Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State reside in the East, the West is left with the likes of Iowa, Minnesota, Northwestern, Nebraska, Purdue, and Wisconsin.
An offensive coordinator graveyard!
While Hawkins shaded his now-former conference, he also provided a hint into his future choice. Maybe a move down south where football reigns supreme?
We should know soon enough!
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