Illinois Basketball Star Clarifies Transfer Portal Decision

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated 5/3/24

Illinois Basketball Star Clarifies Transfer Portal Decision

The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman sat down with Coleman Hawkins on an exclusive one-on-one to discuss a myriad of topics. This was great work by The Field of 68. Coleman Hawkins has been wonderful to Illinois Basketball media members. The Illinois Basketball star is honest, charismatic, and insightful. That was able to be portrayed on the national stage, as Hawkins discussed a multitude of topics with Goodman. One topic that was really important was his recent decision to enter the transfer portal. Despite the news, Hawkins continued to portray his love for the University of Illinois as he donned an Illini Basketball jumpsuit with his Illinois Jersey proudly portrayed on the wall behind him

Coleman stated that his decision would “kind of help me, especially if it’s going to be my last year somewhere. I want to try to maximize and make as much money as I can like anybody else in the world would do.”

EXCLUSIVE: Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) sits down with @GoodmanHoops to discuss the portal, NBA draft, and MUCH more!! | PRESENTED BY @BetMGM https://t.co/Mu375lOnz7

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) May 3, 2024

Thinking ahead

One interesting point that Coleman made during his interview was his effect on the Illinois Basketball roster. If Hawkins were to return, there certainly would be a logjam at the power forward position. The Illinois Basketball star stated, ” If I were to come back from school, I wouldn’t want to take away from those guys coming in who aren’t expecting me to come back who are there probably because I’m not coming back”. Those are insightful words considering that Morez Johnson Jr and Carey Booth are set to take the role that Hawkins’ departure leaves.

Despite hinting that he would not be in an Illinois uniform if he were to return to College basketball, Coleman made it clear that he would not play in the Big Ten. He respectfully joked “Can’t stand Mizzou. I can’t stand all the other Big Ten schools”