This Big 12 school landed basketball’s top available transfer portal player on a reported $2 million NIL deal

Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33) blows a kiss to the crowd after hitting a 3-point basket against Duquesne in the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. | Charlie Neibergall

Kansas State just landed its top transfer in an already loaded class, as former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins announced Friday he is transferring to the Wildcats.

The 6-foot-8 Hawkins, who entered the NBA draft but withdrew before last month’s deadline, was the top available player in the basketball transfer portal.

While 247 Sports has him rated as the No. 21 available player in the transfer portal this offseason, ESPN (10th overall) and The Athletic (fifth) rated Hawkins even higher.

Hawkins is receiving an NIL deal worth $2 million to join the Wildcats program, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported.

Sources: Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins – a 6-foot-10 F – has committed to play for Kansas State in what’s believed to be the most lucrative college basketball NIL deal ($2 million) negotiated from a collective by Nate Conley of Court XIV and Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 14, 2024

Hawkins, a four-star transfer, averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game during the 2023-24 season for an Illinois team that reached the Elite Eight.

Kansas State has been busy in the basketball transfer portal this offseason, and for good reason — the Wildcats only have one player returning next year who averaged more than 10 minutes per game during the 2023-24 season.

The Wildcats are coming off a 19-15 season where they lost in the first round of the NIT. Following that, five players transferred out of the Kansas State program, forcing a sizable roster reset.

With Hawkins’ addition, Kansas State is adding eight transfers this offseason and it gives the Wildcats a full complement of 13 scholarship players — including a four-star incoming freshman, point guard David…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-school-landed-basketball-160847384.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-06-14 16:08:47

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