Illinois basketball: What Coleman Hawkins will bring to the Illini

Coleman Hawkins was the first commit of the class of 2020 for Brad Underwood and the Illinois basketball coaching staff.

Hawkins is a 6-foot-10,195-pound power forward who plays for Prolific Prep in California. He is a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 156 players in the class of 2020 and the No. 16 ranked player in California. The Illini were able to land Hawkins over programs such as Rutgers and San Diego State. He will bring a unique skill set to the Illinois basketball team for the 2020-21 season.

The first thing that stands out to me about Hawkins’ game is his ability to create his own shot. He is a stretch-big but, unlike some big-men that can shoot, he can also put the ball on the floor.

Hawkins is more skilled with the ball in his hands than most people would give him credit for. He also does a good job of beating opposing big men off the dribble, which gives him the ability to pull up for a mid-range jumper or drive to the hoop.

Hawkins will also bring versatility and ability to stretch the floor to Illinois. He plays the power forward position, but he can play the No. 5 as well. This is important because the Illini had trouble at times last season at center when Kofi Cockburn and Giorgi Bezhanishvili both got in foul trouble. His shooting is much-needed as Illinois had a hard time spacing the floor which caused some scoring droughts last season.

This Illinois basketball team is getting a talented player. Hawkins will bring shooting, versatility and the ability to create his own shot. He will be a pleasure to watch for the next couple of years.