Former Illinois basketball big man Coleman Hawkins has huge day at NBA Draft Combine

Former Illinois basketball great Coleman Hawkins is doing some work in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine.

The former Illini star entered the NBA Draft process in the last couple of months while also entering the transfer portal. This keeps Hawkins’ options open and his value maximized.

With the performance he had on Wednesday, I am not sure college is even a thought anymore.

Game one for Hawkins in the combine on Tuesday was okay. He played just a hair under 16 minutes and finished with seven points, one rebound, one assist, and just one turnover. Hawkins was 3-of-5 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point range.

While Hawkins’ team lost that first game, Team Forehan-Kelly came out on Wednesday and put up a number. They won the game 91-80, and Hawkins was the star.

Hawkins got the start and played nearly 23 minutes in the victory. He ended with a game-high 17 points to go along with his five rebounds and three assists. Hawkins also shot 6-of-7 from the floor and 3-of-4 from three-point range.

This type of performance by former Illinois basketball big man Coleman Hawkins is sure to have him skyrocketing up NBA Draft boards

Honestly, I thought Hawkins was going to be gone after the 2022-23 season. He did the same thing by entering the NBA Draft, and with his size and versatility, I thought NBA scouts would drool over him.

Hawkins came back for one more season in college and honed his talent. He improved his three-point and free throw shooting, and he became a well-rounded player. That hard work paid off on Wednesday.

Just a couple of days ago, a mock draft had Hawkins going late in the second round to the Boston Celtics. That was with very little proved in front of any NBA scouts. A performance like Hawkins put up on Wednesday against other NBA prospects has to look good to those scouts.

I believe Hawkins is a lock to be drafted in June. For me, it is a matter of how high at this point. If Hawkins continues putting up big numbers in these exhibition games, don’t be surprised if he starts creeping toward the first round.