Coleman Hawkins: A Journey Through Basketball
Former Illini forward Coleman Hawkins has experienced a remarkable journey in recent years. He initially entered the NBA Draft in 2023 but chose to return to Illinois for his senior season. During this year, Hawkins emerged as a key player on an Illini team that clinched the Big Ten tournament championship and advanced to the Elite Eight. Shortly thereafter, Hawkins entered the 2024 NBA Draft but later withdrew to transfer to Kansas State for another year.
Transition to Professional Basketball
In 2025, Hawkins had to turn pro after finishing his college eligibility. However, he was not picked in the June NBA Draft. Instead, he signed with the Golden State Warriors as an undrafted free agent to participate in the NBA Summer League. Though he wasn’t drafted, joining Golden State was a fantastic opportunity for Hawkins to commence his professional journey.
Finding His Fit with the Warriors
“I wanted to be with the Warriors because their style fits my game,” Hawkins stated. “I like playing fast, with small-ball five sets and good passing.” When the opportunity arose, he was eager to seize it.
Summer League Performances
Hawkins made his professional debut on July 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers during the California Classic Summer League. He performed well, scoring seven points, grabbing five rebounds, and shooting 100% in just 12 minutes. Hawkins then followed up with another strong outing, registering nine points, three rebounds, and four assists before heading to Nevada for the Las Vegas Summer League.
Accepting a New Role
While Hawkins often played as a small-ball center in college, he mainly occupied the wing as a stretch four. However, during Summer League, he adapted to playing center. “My priority is to play hard and rebound,” he noted. “I’ve been primarily playing the five, focusing on rebounding and protecting the paint.”
Adjusting to the NBA
Hawkins played four games in Vegas, initially continuing his strong play but struggling in his last three games. Like many transitioning from college to the pros, he is still finding his rhythm. “Over time, I will gain confidence in my vision and feel for the game,” he expressed, acknowledging the need to adapt to the faster pace and different spacing of the NBA.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA Summer League marked the beginning of Hawkins’ professional career, he is expected to continue with the Warriors as training camps begin in late September. Although he hasn’t officially signed, indications suggest he may return to Golden State. If he does, he will likely sign a non-guaranteed Exhibit-10 deal, competing to convert it into a two-way contract while potentially spending time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League. Regardless of where he plays next season, Illini fans now have another player to support in the professional arena.
