Coleman Hawkins talks NBA Draft, leaving Illinois, and more

We connected with Coleman Hawkins to discuss his decision to enter the NBA Draft, his development, his versatility, and mindset looking forward.

The 6-foot-10 forward is coming off an Elite Eight appearance and Big Ten Tournament Title run with the Illini. As a senior, he earned All-Big-Ten honorable mention, boasting averages of 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 54% from two and 37% from three on 4.6 attempts per game, a career-high in both volume and efficiency. His size, feel, shooting touch, and defensive mobility have kept him on the NBA radar the past few seasons. ** Coleman has withdrawn from the draft and transferred to Kansas State**

LH: After four years at Illinois, where do you feel your game has progressed the most?

CH: "In my four years at Illinois, I feel like I've grown as a defender. Defense was challenging my freshman year, but I've progressed each year. I did not play this year 100% healthy, but I feel like I had some great defensive highlights. On the other end, my shooting has improved a lot, but I think it was mainly a confidence thing. I have instilled more confidence in myself throughout my career at Illinois. I feel like I have always been able to shoot, but I shot the ball extremely well this year based off of confidence."

LH: Your versatility stands out, particularly in the Big Ten, where more traditional post-bigs are prevalent. What has helped develop your unique skillset?

CH: "I think my uniqueness comes from what I've been early on in my career. I have always been a taller guard, or a tall guy that can play multiple positions. The last couple of years, the opportunity has been right, and I have been able to play multiple positions -- 3, 4, and 5. I feel like at times we're at a mismatch and advantage when I'm in those positions because I can guard multiple positions so we can switch. And offensively, having 5-men guarding me, and spacing the floor, and things like that. Has been good for showing my versatility and competing in this conference."

LH: What aspects of your game do you feel translate best to the next level?

CH: "The ability to space the floor with my shooting and passing at my size. I didn't do a whole lot of that this year, but that is still definitely something I take pride in. My defense can be a big ticket for me to get playing time at the next level. I can switch and guard multiple positions. And then I think my all-around IQ and feel for the game is something that can separate me and be a key asset for me moving forward."

LH: Who are some players at the next level who maybe you don’t compare yourself to, but perhaps say... I could excel in that role?

CH: "Depends on what kind of role I'm in. If I'm in a floor spacing role or small-ball-5-role, I feel like I can be a Lauri Markkanen type of player, even Kyle Kuzma-like or Cam Johnson, although, he is more of a wing. But pick and pop, catch and shoot-guy. But if I'm in a role where I need to facilitate, I feel like I can play that Draymond role, facilitate, get shooters the ball, guard multiple positions, and play with my hair on fire. I think it depends on what organization I'm with and where they need me the most, but I feel like I can play multiple positions… Also Herb Jones."

LH: You attended the Combine and could've left for the NBA last year. Why do you think now is the right moment?

CH: "I feel like this is the right moment right now because my numbers can kinda back me up a little more. My numbers last year were a bit shaky, but the shooting percentages this year were pretty good. Could've been better, but I feel like my numbers are pretty good. Efficiency numbers are pretty good, and that's what a lot of people wanted to see -- me shooting the ball well and shooting it more. That's what they wanted to see last year and they got it this year. I feel pretty confident in myself this year and I'm familiar with the process."

LH: What’s your mindset entering this process?

CH: "Be confident… shoot the shit out of the ball… that is gonna be what separates me."