2. Coleman Hawkins
- Size – 6-foot-8, 195-pounds
- Location – Prolific Prep, Antelope, California
National Ranking
- 247Sports – #190 overall, #31 power forward, #20 California
- Rivals – #N/A overall, #33 power forward
Official Visits
- Rutgers – June 14
- San Diego State – August 30
- Illinois – September 13
- Marquette – September 20
- USC – October 18
Recruiting Take
It seems like we are down to five programs that are catching the eye of Coleman Hawkins. There have been five official visits set up. Rivals had Rutgers and San Diego State getting an official visit already. Hawkins then confirmed with the Writing Illini that he will be taking official visits to Illinois, Marquette and USC.
I think Illinois has a legit shot at landing Hawkins. Beyond the fit, which I will get to in a bit, Hawkins also likes the program and location. He spoke with the Writing Illini about a week ago. He mentioned that he is close with Coach Coleman and talked about the successful history of the program.
Hawkins also mentioned that he has a close connection with the state of Illinois too. His dad was born and raised in Chicago and a lot of his family still lives in the area. That close connection could end up being the ace up the sleeve for the Illini.
Fit
Hawkins does fit well with the Orange and Blue. He can play the No. 4 spot, which Illinois is going to need once Giorgi Bezhanishvili departs the program.
In 2020, I see Hawkins being the primary backup to Giorgi at the No. 4 spot. Giorgi will then leave after his junior year and Hawkins can step into the starting role. That is a good action play for his career.