After deciding to withdraw from the NBA Draft process two weeks ago, Coleman Hawkins has been busy visiting schools across the country to choose where he will play his final season of college basketball portal. Hawkins is currently the top available player in the transfer portal and will instantly improve whichever program he chooses. He has attracted many suitors due to his ability to score, including a three-point shot, and his defensive versatility. His skillset makes him a target for some high-level programs.
Coleman Hawkins Deciding Between Three Schools
Kansas State
The perceived frontrunner in this recruitment is Kansas State. Jerome Tang has been incredible in recruiting out of the transfer portal this season. He has secured the commitments of Michigan guard Dug McDaniel and Kentucky center Ugonna Onyenso. Hawkins recently visited Kansas State over the weekend and all signs indicate an excellent visit.
Tang hopes to land Hawkins to complete this class and bring a much-needed boost to the Wildcats lineup. Last year was not nearly as successful as Tang’s first season after the Wildcats missed the NCAA tournament. Tang is hoping for a quick turnaround and the addition of Hawkins would be a huge step forward. Hawkins would be a huge addition to Kansas State as it is a team that needs a second star to pair with McDaniel.
LSU
Hawkins’ next visit will be next week when he visits LSU. The Tigers have had a few down seasons after the departure of Will Wade in 2022. The Tigers had a losing record in 2022/23 and went 17-16 in 2023/24. They are in need of a turnaround and Hawkins may be the man for the job. He would instantly become the best player on the team due to his ability to score, shoot the three, and defend. His athleticism would also fit well in the SEC, which is a considerably faster league than the Big Ten. LSU has been relatively quiet this portal cycle having only brought in a handful of commits and no top-level talents.
SMU
The third team in contention for Hawkins is ACC-newcomer SMU. New head coach Andy Enfield has not had a great start to his tenure in Dallas. Most of SMU’s roster decided to enter the transfer portal and the prospects they brought in have not been the best replacements. The Mustangs will have Hawkins in for an official visit after Hawkins visits LSU. Hawkins would also be the best player on SMU’s roster and they desperately need him if they want to compete in the ACC next season. But the biggest draw for SMU may be their pockets. They have one of the country’s richest alumni bases and have produced a massive NIL budget for their athletics program.
