With their season in a downward spiral, the hits just keep on coming for head coach Jerome Tang and the Kansas State Wildcats. Now, Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins is dealing with a knee issue just a couple of weeks before the NCAA Tournament.
Coleman Hawkins’ Injury Timetable
According to insider Jon Rothstein, Hawkins is unlikely to play tonight at UCF after also failing to play in the team’s last matchup against Arizona State due to his knee injury.
Hawkins has been a true bright spot for this team despite its struggles.
Kansas State’s Coleman Hawkins (knee) is unlikely to play today against UCF, per Jerome Tang.
DNP in last game.
Averages 10.7 PPG.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 26, 2025
The 23-year-old Sacramento native is averaging 10.7 points per game. He is also showing his skills on both ends of the court, leading the team in steals per game (2.0) and blocks per game (1.3).
Standing at 6’10” and weighing 230 pounds, Hawkins has been one of the team’s better players this season when called upon.
Unfortunately for the folks in Manhattan, it might be too little too late unless Tang’s team can find a way to win the Big 12.
Kansas State’s March Madness Hopes
While their hopes are minimal, the Wildcats could still find a way to get into the NCAA Tournament.
But as they sit at an overall record of just 13-14 (7-9 in conference), they likely won’t receive an at-large bid unless they can possibly win their final four games of the regular season and go on a tear in the Big 12 Tournament.
They do have wins over Arizona, Iowa State, and Kansas that could help them when the tournament committee judges them, but they could use more help.
If they can improve their overall record to 17-14, there could be some hope.
Of course, the Wildcats could officially qualify for the NCAA Tournament by winning the Big 12 Tournament.
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Remember, winning the conference tournament would give the winning team an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
It won’t be easy, but it is Kansas State’s best shot.
In a conference with at least six or seven teams likely to make the NCAA Tournament, it could be a tough road for the Wildcats, who, of course, have not won the Big 12 Tournament since the 1980 season.
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