Illinois Basketball Star Announces Plan for Next Season

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated 4/23/24

Illinois Basketball Star Announces Plan for Next Season

To no one’s surprise, Illinois Basketball star forward, Coleman Hawkins, announced that he will be entering the 2024 NBA Draft with full intentions of staying in. The Senior forward played four years for Illinois Basketball and will leave with a legacy on and off the court. On the court, Coleman won two big ten tournament championships, and one (or two depending on who you talk to) Big Ten regular season championship. He also developed himself from a 3-star lanky forward to a surefire NBA Draft Prospect and was the leader of the best Illinois Basketball team in over a decade.

In an era where the transfer portal takes and gives, Coleman Hawkins stuck out his time in Champaign. In all, Hawkins never strayed away from who he was and adored himself to fans and media members.

Glory be to God ! pic.twitter.com/kSj3bwkjmo

— Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) April 23, 2024

NBA Draft Profile

Per NBAdraft.net, Coleman Hawkins will be drafted in the late-second round. Hawkins actually has a player comparison to a former Illinois Basketball player, Brian Cook. Regardless, Hawkins is one of those draft prospects who has all the tools to succeed in the NBA. Some teams may view his four years in college as a negative, however, look at Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu was an older prospect, however, showed that he improved his game each year while with Illinois Basketball.

That pattern has held true, as Dosunmu has been one of the more productive players in his draft class. Despite being the 38th overall pick, Ayo fell into the perfect situation. Coleman Hawkins will do the same.

This article first appeared on Armchair Illini and was syndicated with permission.

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