Coleman Hawkins initially declared for last year’s draft after a solid campaign with Illinois, but opted to return for his senior year to improve his game. It was a year well spent for the 22-year-old forward, who has gotten even closer to making it to the next level.
Coleman Hawkins 2024 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Hawkins steadily improved during his four years with the Fighting Illini, with this past season showing his greatest potential. Starting all 35 games he played in, Hawkins averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He shot 53% from the field, 37% from three and 79% from the free-throw line. The Big Ten champion’s solid performances continued in the NCAA Tournament, where he averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3 assists on 42% shooting from the field and 36% from distance.
Hawkins has since entered the transfer portal after declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. However, he revealed during his media availability that he has his sights set on the NBA, according to WAND’s Tyler Jachnicki.
“I just feel like I’ve outgrown college basketball. I’m just ready to give my life to basketball…It would be cool to go back one more year but I just don’t think it would be the right thing to do. They have a whole new roster coming in and I don’t think it would be fair to come into that place with all of those guys expecting me not to be there.”
Hawkins’ play impressed many throughout this season and, most recently, at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, with size and tools to help boost his stock.
Coleman Hawkins is the Player of the Game from the first NBA Draft Combine scrimmage of the day!
Hawkins today:
17 Points (6-7 FG) (3-4 3-PT)
5 Rebounds
3 Assists pic.twitter.com/ZikkcPnpvg— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 15, 2024
Strengths
On the offensive end, Hawkins is a standout three-level scorer. He displayed a tremendous knack for finishing at the rim this season, with 60% of his field goals coming at the basket. He gets to the rim with spin moves or impressive handles, He also scores frequently on catch-and-shoot threes, notably on the wing and off of pick-and-pop actions, which only added to his versatility. And besides his spot-up shooting, Hawkins is a frequent target in transition, finishing lobs with authority or swishing above-the-break threes.
Aside from his scoring, Hawkins showed off his basketball IQ at Illinois, growing as a playmaker in the last two years. He enhanced the Fighting Illini’s half-court offense with ease, threading the needle from the paint and the perimeter.
Hawkins is also an excellent defender, racking up steals and blocks with no issues at all thanks to his 7-foot wingspan. His 215-pound frame also helps in this regard, as he’s able to roam around the perimeter and easily alter shots near the basket. Sports Business Classroom noted how some of Hawkins’ traits add to his defensive versatility:
“His defensive skill set, characterized by both on-ball tenacity and off-ball acuity, not only complements his offensive contributions but also makes him a versatile defender capable of adjusting to various defensive roles and schemes. This dual-threat capability positions Hawkins as a valuable two-way player in the NBA, where defensive versatility and the ability to switch across multiple positions are increasingly prized.”
Coleman Hawkins received A LOT of love from Sean Farnham, Bobby Marks & Cory Alexander on the NBA combine scrimmage broadcast#illini x #NBA pic.twitter.com/aWsdGJz7Lk
— 🆃ⓐ🅹🅷 ♕ (@Recru1t1ng_Guru) May 16, 2024
Weaknesses
The main concern around Hawkins is his speed, as he may struggle to guard quicker players, even as a switchable forward who can take on guards and wings. His offensive game could still improve as a stretch four, particularly being more aggressive on drives and enhancing his post-up opportunities.
Hawkins will also have to do a better job taking care of the ball. He logged the eighth-most turnovers in the Big Ten (81) despite his 94 assists—which ranked 15th in the conference. He must also improve his rebounding, particularly on the offensive end. Of the 212 boards he grabbed this season, only 48 of them were offensive.
NBA Comparison
There is no clear-cut comparison for Hawkins, a versatile stretch four who still has room for improvement. However, some names that have come up include Raptors wing Jordan Nwora, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, and Warriors big man Dario Saric. Hawkins may not be able to put up high numbers on a consistent basis, but he does a lot of things well enough to make a positive impact on both ends of the floor.
