Illinois Star Coleman Hawkins to Enter Transfer Portal, per Report

The forward will have one year of eligibility remaining if he returns to college basketball.

Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA;Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) dunks the ball / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois men's basketball second-team All-Big Ten forward Coleman Hawkins will enter the transfer portal ahead of Wednesday's deadline, according to a report from Matt Norlander of CBS Sports.

Hawkins previously announced his plans to enter the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, and is currently going through the pre-draft process ahead of the June draft. Hawkins is still pondering a potential return to the Illini, but there is a chance that he returns to college basketball and plays elsewhere next season.

Hawkins confirmed his entry into the portal with a social media post on Tuesday afternoon, mentioning directly that he has every intention of remaining in the draft.

Relax, lol pic.twitter.com/FfOAf7VeQV

— Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) April 30, 2024

The 6'10" Hawkins was instrumental in Illinois' run to the Elite Eight last month, and would be a significant loss to the Illini in the frontcourt if he returned to college basketball and played anywhere other than in Champaign. He averaged a career-high 12.1 points to go along with 6.1 rebounds on 44.2% shooting this past season.

Hawkins is the only player in program history to compile at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals in a career.

He will have one year of eligibility remaining if he returns to college basketball.