Illinois’ Coleman Hawkins will declare for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, he told College Hoops Today on Tuesday.
The 6-10 Hawkins averaged 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and three assists last season. He is projected to be a late first or early second round pick.
Hawkins didn’t rule out returning to Illinois next season, but wants to be a part of a contender if he does come back to school.
“I want to be on a roster that has a chance to do something big — win a national title,” Hawkins said. “I hope if I do come back that we will have a more veteran team and a chance of being a really great team.”
Illinois finished 20-13 and lost to Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Leftovers
- Illinois, Texas Tech to start home-and-home series on November 11th in Champaign
- UConn, Kansas to begin home-and-home series on December 2nd in Lawrence
- CBS Sports Podcast (6/2) — Florida State’s Luke Loucks
- Texas A&M, Oklahoma State to start home-and-home series on November 9th in Stillwater
- UConn, Illinois finalizing agreement to meet at MSG on November 28th
