Illinois Basketball: Coleman Hawkins Impresses in Combine Scrimmage

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated 5/15/24

Illinois Basketball: Coleman Hawkins Impresses in Combine Scrimmage

To no one’s surprise, Coleman Hawkins is making Illinois Basketball proud at the NBA Combine. First off, he continues to speak highly of the University of Illinois while also showing consideration of the current roster. Though he tested rather similarly to last year’s athletic measurements, he had an outstanding performance in a 5-on-5 scrimmage. Hawkins put up 17 points on 6-7 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Coleman drained 3 3 point shots and showed incredible efficiency and feel for the game. The Illinois Basketball star played over 22 minutes and was a +27 during that time.

Boxscore from Game 3 of the NBA Draft Combine.

Standouts:

-Coleman Hawkins (Illinois)
-Nikola Djurisic (Mega MIS)
-KJ Simpson (Colorado)
-Michael Ajayi (Pepperdine/Gonzaga)
-Jamir Watkins (Florida State) pic.twitter.com/oLm76E37hq

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2024

Though Hawkins may make an absolute killing if he returns to college basketball, Hawkins continues to state that he would like to move on from the college ranks and pursue his NBA dream.

Decisions to be made.

After a performance like this, it seems that Coleman Hawkins is in the ultimate win-win. Should he return to college basketball, he will be one of the highest-paid and one of the best players. If Hawkins were to skip out on his final year of eligibility, he has shown that he can compete with NBA-level talent and has a skill set that can land him on an NBA roster. For example, Trayce Jackson Davis was a four year college basketball player who was drafted towards the end of the 2023 draft. Jackson-Davis landed in the right situation and contributed heavy minutes for the Golden State Warriors in his rookie season.

Coleman Hawkins ruled out the #Illini if he doesn't go pro?

"I haven't but they got a whole new roster coming in. I don't think it would be fair for me to come back in that place with all those guys expecting me not to be there"

"I don't think it would be the right thing to do" pic.twitter.com/Di0NVYoI09

— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) May 15, 2024

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

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