Jerome Tang has one slot left to fill his 2024-25 Kansas State basketball roster.
He may very well be saving the most important piece of the puzzle for final.
Coleman Hawkins, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound energy ahead who spent the previous 4 years at Illinois, will probably be in Manhattan this weekend after cancelling a go to to Louisville, in line with CBS Sports activities reporter Cameron Salerno.
Hawkins, who has one 12 months of eligibility left, was Illinois’ third-leading scorer with 12.1 factors per sport and No. 3 rebounder at 6.1 boards in 2023-24 — whereas main the Illini in each steals (1.5) and blocks (1.1). He began all 68 video games over the previous two seasons, averaging 9.9 factors, 6.3 rebounds and a team-best 3.0 assists as a junior.
Illinois switch Coleman Hawkins will not be visiting Louisville and as a substitute will go to Kansas State this weekend, per sources. Hawkins is likely one of the high transfers accessible. pic.twitter.com/nzRasUMt6i
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) June 7, 2024
Touchdown Hawkins, one of many high remaining gamers within the portal, could be a significant coup for Tang heading into his third season as Wildcats coach. Whereas the present roster stands at 12 gamers, solely three — forwards David N’Guessan, Taj Manning and Macaleab Wealthy — are again from a group that completed 19-15 general, 8-10 within the Large 12 and misplaced within the first spherical of the Nationwide Invitation Match.
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Tang has added seven transfers from the portal and one from the junior faculty ranks. They embody Michigan level guard Dug McDaniel, Illinois-Chicago guard CJ Jones, Villanova guard Brendan Hausen, Cal State Fullerton guard Max Jones, 6-11 Arkansas ahead Baye Fall, versatile 6-9 Samford ahead Achor Achor, Kentucky 7-footer Ugonna Onyenso and Ellsworth (Iowa) Group School ahead Chimobi Ikegwuruka.
Hawkins is the kind of do-it-all massive man Tang has tried to lure to Manhattan since arriving two years in the past. Not solely can he rating inside, and defend the rim, however he knocked down 36.9% (59 of 160) of his 3-point makes an attempt final season.
Hawkins is the one participant in Illinois historical past to register at the very least 900 factors, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals for his profession.
Arne Inexperienced relies in Salina and covers Kansas State College sports activities for the Gannett community. He could be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.
This text initially appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State basketball to host Illinois switch Coleman Hawkins