Is Former Illini Coleman Hawkins Playing Himself on to Golden State's NBA Roster?

The end of Coleman Hawkins' college career didn't go as anyone had hoped – including Hawkins. But he's already writing a better script at the start of his professional journey.

Generally a beloved figure around Champaign during his four years at Illinois, he tested the professional waters after the 2024-25 season at the NBA Combine but ultimately chose to transfer to Kansas State to play out his final season of college eligibility. Hawkins improved his productivity in nearly every major statistical category in Manhattan, but his scoring dipped, the Cougars went 16-17 and missed the NCAA Tournament, and Hawkins was considered to have been a disappointment based on the major NIL investment the program made in signing him. To top it off, he wasn't invited to this year's draft combine.

Water under the bridge. After going undrafted last month, Hawkins signed to play with the Golden State Warriors' Summer League team, and all he has done since is stuff box scores:Seven points and five rebounds in 12 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on July 5. Nine points, three rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes against fellow Illinois alum Kasparas Jakucionis and the Miami Heat. And on Sunday night in a win over the Utah Jazz, Hawkins delivered arguably his best performance as a pro yet, with seven points, seven rebounds and a team-high four assists, plus two steals.