By Jayson Henderson
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang added a key player to the 2024-25 roster with the signing of Coleman Hawkins from Illinois on June 18. Hawkins, a 6-foot-10 wing, spent four seasons at Illinois, contributing to 96 wins, four Big Ten titles, and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2023-24.
Hawkins led Illinois in rebounding, steals, and blocks, and was third in scoring, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors. After declaring for the NBA Draft and participating in the NBA Draft Combine, Hawkins withdrew to use his final season of eligibility at K-State.
Hawkins has nearly 1,000 career points, with notable performances including a career-high 30 points against Iowa and a triple-double against Syracuse. He joins nine other newcomers, including eight Division I transfers, as K-State aims to build on its 19-15 record and NIT appearance from the previous season.
