Illinois Fans Express Support For K-State's Coleman Hawkins After Baylor Loss

Coleman Hawkins reposted an Illinois fan in attendance of Kansas State's matchup with Baylor Wednesday night.

Kansas State Wildcats guard Coleman Hawkins (33) dribbles down court in the second half of the Sunflower Showdown game against the Kansas Jayhawks inside Allen Fieldhouse Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins regularly receives a lot of hate online from fans and pundits alike.

But if there's one fanbase that always supports Hawkins, it's his former Illinois Fighting Illini. One fan posted an Illinois fan in Foster Pavilion to cheer on Hawkins against Baylor Wednesday night. The former Illinois forward reposted the tweet with the caption: "Real ones."

Real ones 🫡❤️ https://t.co/iFeu8gtVn3

— Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) January 23, 2025

The comment section was flooded with the same love and support for Hawkins. The fanbase will always remember his contributions to the team, including their recent Elite Eight run last season.

"Two B10 tournament championships, one B10 regular season champion, went to the NCAA every single year, went to the Elite Eight losing to the national champion," one fan tweeted. "You improved every year. Your success is undeniable, you’re a winner, an Illini legend, we love you, Hawk!"

Two B10 tournament championships, one B10 regular season champion, went to the NCAA every single year, went to the Elite Eight losing to the national champion. You improved every year. Your success is undeniable, you’re a winner, an Illini legend, we love you, Hawk!

— Josh Carrigan (@JDoe47130059) January 23, 2025

Many Fighting Illini fans regularly beg Hawkins to return, as his departure to Manhattan, KS, seemingly negatively affected both parties.

Jersey will be in Champaign, forever Illinois as far as I’m concerned.

— Hamburgler1000 (@BouncingSllab) January 23, 2025

Hell, even Kansas State fans were showing rare love for their star player.

Hang in there Coleman. I’m one of the real kstaters. We are going to be alright! Keep playing hard!

— Katelyn (@kbrockus) January 23, 2025

After signing a massive NIL deal this summer, Hawkins has had a target on his back all season, with the expectation to perform at an exponential level. He and the Wildcats have hit a rough patch with a 7-11 record, including 1-6 in the Big 12. Hawkins is averaging 10.7 points, seven rebounds, and 4.4 assists. His versatility elevates his game, but his poor free-throwing shooting and questionable decision-making have hindered him this season.

Kansas State plays West Virginia (13-5, 4-3 in Big 12) Saturday night.

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.