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Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins said Tuesday he plans to enter the transfer portal but remains focused on the NBA draft.
Hawkins said last week in a post announcing his decision to enter the NBA draft that he is “100% set on the 2024 NBA draft.”
On Tuesday, he maintained that stance — but is giving himself another option by also entering the transfer portal.
“My intention is 100% to stay in the draft and I am fully focused on that process,” Hawkins wrote on social media. “I wanted to make sure I take every opportunity to protect myself in case of injury or any other unforeseen circumstances down the road.
“With the recent NCAA rule change regarding grad transfers, and the May 1 deadline approaching, entering the portal gives me the best chance to protect myself in those instances and maximize my opportunities as I go through the pre-draft process.”
The deadline to submit paperwork to enter the transfer portal is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.
Hawkins, a 6-foot-10 forward, had the best season of his career in 2023-24 while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 36.9% from 3-point range and showing impressive versatility defensively.
The California native struggled as a freshman but began to show flashes of his potential as a sophomore and has made strides every season. He’s started 68 games over the last two seasons and 82 games during his four-year career.
Coach Brad Underwood began to replace Hawkins on Tuesday, landing a commitment from Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 14.7 points and 4.7 points this past season, shooting 41.4% from 3.