Kansas State senior transfer Coleman Hawkins struggled to find the words to describe the abrupt end of his college basketball career. After a 70-56 loss to Baylor in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament, Hawkins and the Wildcats officially closed the book on a challenging season. With Kansas State finishing with a 16-17 record, Hawkins’ tenure with the program fell short of expectations, marking a stark contrast to his successful run at Illinois.
Hawkins’ Final Performance and Season Stats
On Wednesday night, Hawkins managed just five points on 2-of-9 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds. It was a tough ending for the 6-foot-10 forward, who averaged 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists throughout the season. Kansas State had high hopes for Hawkins, who had been a standout at Illinois, helping lead the Fighting Illini to the Elite Eight last year.
Despite his potential, Hawkins admitted to struggling with the pressure that came with being one of the highest-paid college basketball players in the NIL era. He reportedly earned $2 million in NIL deals, making him one of the most paid players in college basketball. Kansas State expected an elite talent who could elevate the team, but Hawkins acknowledged that outside noise and expectations affected his performance.
Hawkins’ Emotional Reflection
After the loss, Hawkins delivered an honest and heartfelt statement about his season and the disappointment he felt.
“I feel like I let a lot of people down. I feel like I did a poor job of letting people talk about me. It affected my play. It was happening all year. I wish I could just go back and block out everything, not for myself, but for the team so we could have a more successful year. This is a learned lesson for me, and I wish the best for the future of this program.”
His words reflected the mental and emotional toll of the season, as he openly admitted that external criticism impacted his game. While he was expected to be a game-changer for Kansas State, he struggled to meet those expectations, ultimately leaving the program with an unfulfilled sense of what could have been.
A Stark Contrast to His Illinois Success
Hawkins’ college career began at Illinois in 2020, where he played a key role in the team’s success. He helped the Illini secure Big Ten Tournament titles in both 2021 and 2024, proving himself as a key contributor. His standout performances earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors and put him on the radar as a potential NBA prospect.
However, his time at Kansas State was far less efficient. The team faced multiple challenges throughout the season, including inconsistent play and difficult matchups in a highly competitive Big 12 conference. With their loss to Baylor, the Wildcats’ hopes of making a deep postseason run came to an end. Meanwhile, Baylor (19-13) advanced to face No. 2 seed Texas Tech (24-7) in the next round of the tournament.
What’s Next for Hawkins?
Now that his college career is over, the next step for Hawkins is uncertain. Despite a difficult season at Kansas State, his size, skill set, and past success at Illinois may still give him a shot at the professional level. Whether he pursues opportunities in the NBA, G League, or overseas, Hawkins will have to prove that he can overcome the mental barriers that plagued him this season.
Though his time at Kansas State didn’t go as planned, his candid reflection after the loss showed maturity and a willingness to learn from his experiences. As he moves forward, Hawkins’ journey serves as a reminder of how external pressure can impact even the most talented athletes and how resilience will be key to his future success.
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