Former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins has made a decision on his future for the 2024-25 season, choosing to join Kansas State following a visit to Manhattan. The news of Hawkins' commitment to the Wildcats was announced by NBA insider Shams Charania on Friday morning.

According to Charania, Kansas State went all out to secure Hawkins, offering what is believed to be the most lucrative college basketball NIL deal ever negotiated, amounting to $2 million. This significant sum surpasses the earnings of many end-of-the-bench players in the NBA, highlighting the financial appeal of collegiate basketball for Hawkins. Despite considering a professional career, Hawkins opted for a potentially higher payday at Kansas State.

Hawkins was an integral part of the Illinois basketball team, averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last season. His contributions played a key role in the Illini's remarkable journey to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to UConn. Although Hawkins had a quiet performance in that game with only five points and four rebounds, he exhibited his scoring prowess against other tournament opponents, tallying double-digit points in each of the three preceding matchups.

Following the UConn game, Hawkins carefully evaluated his options. Initially entering the NBA Draft, he later chose to withdraw and return to college, subsequently entering the transfer portal. Seeking to become one of the highest-paid college basketball players in the nation, Hawkins generated significant attention from teams.

Initially slated to visit the University of Louisville, Hawkins changed his plans and instead visited Kansas State in the Big 12. The meeting and the pitch from head coach Jerome Tang evidently had a strong impact, ultimately swaying Hawkins towards the Wildcats. With his commitment, Hawkins becomes a late but crucial addition to Kansas State's lineup for the upcoming season.

Prior to his college career, Hawkins joined Illinois as a three-star recruit and the No. 151 overall player in the class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry rankings. In On3's 2024 Transfer Portal Top Players, Hawkins ranks as the No. 17 overall transfer, making him the highest-rated uncommitted player in the portal. He also secures the second spot among power forwards in these rankings, with Great Osobor of Washington taking the top position.

With Hawkins' decision to don the Kansas State jersey, Wildcats fans now eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, hoping that his presence, alongside fellow transfer Achor Achor, will propel the team to success on the court.