Illinois Basketball: Coleman Hawkins shows versatility at 2023 NBA Draft Combine

There is a chance that Illinois basketball forward Coleman Hawkins will be selected in the 2023 NBA Draft.

However, Hawkins will have to impress some scouts at the NBA Combine if he wants to climb draft boards. The Illini big man has all of the ability in the world, and now he needs to put that on display for the world to see.

Hawkins suited up for Team Hines in his first game of the NBA Combine. His team would thrash Team Richman, 122-95. Hawkins was a big part of this victory as well.

In just under 20 minutes of game action, Hawkins would put up three points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals while going 1-of-4 from the field and 1-of-2 from the free throw line. He would also have a box plus-minus of +20.

How to analyze Illinois basketball forward Coleman Hawkins’ first game of the NBA Combine

As an Illini fan, I knew what Hawkins could do on the court. We saw glimpses of brilliance this past season, and it was just a matter of him putting that brilliance to work on the court.

I think Hawkins did exactly what he needed to do in the first game of the NBA Combine. This game isn’t about scoring the most points. I would say 95% of the NBA can put up 20-25 points on any given night. What Hawkins did on Wednesday was show that he can do everything.

You have a 6-foot-10 big man out there leading the team in steals and was second on the team in assists. A 6-foot-1 guard should be doing that, not a 6-foot-10 forward.

This was a really good first game for Hawkins. He showed NBA scouts the complete package, and I believe he will continue to do that through Thursday.

The NBA loves a versatile big man, and that is what Hawkins will bring to the table. He is someone who can distribute the basketball and play defense. That is extremely valuable at the next level.