Kansas State’s season came to a disappointing close on Wednesday night as the Wildcats fell to Baylor 70-56 in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament. For senior transfer Coleman Hawkins, the loss marked the sudden end of his college basketball career. The former Illinois standout, who joined Kansas State with high expectations, struggled to meet the lofty standards placed upon him, and he later admitted that external pressures affected his game.
Hawkins’ Final Performance and Season Struggles
In his last game, Hawkins managed just five points on 2-of-9 shooting while pulling down seven rebounds. His season averages are 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists which reflected solid contributions, but not the game-changing impact many had anticipated when he transferred from Illinois.
Kansas State brought Hawkins in with the hope that his experience and skill set would elevate the program, especially given his standout performances in the Big Ten. However, the Wildcats finished with a 16-17 record, falling short of making a significant postseason push. Hawkins, who was reportedly paid $2 million in NIL deals—one of the highest figures in college basketball, shouldered much of the criticism for the team’s struggles.
Hawkins’ Emotional Postgame Reflection
After the loss, Hawkins spoke candidly about the mental challenges he faced throughout the season and how outside opinions affected his performance.
“I feel like I let a lot of people down. I feel like I did a poor job of letting people talk about me. It affected my play. It was happening all year. I wish I could just go back and block out everything, not for myself, but for the team so we could have a more successful year. This is a learned lesson for me, and I wish the best for the future of this program.”
His words revealed a deeper struggle beyond the stat sheet, one that many athletes face in the era of social media and NIL expectations. The pressure to perform at a high level, combined with constant scrutiny, weighed heavily on him throughout the season.
From Illinois Success to Kansas State Challenges
Before transferring to Kansas State, Hawkins was a key player for Illinois, helping the team win Big Ten Tournament titles in 2021 and 2024. He also played a vital role in the Illini’s Elite Eight run last season, showcasing his ability to contribute at a high level.
When he made the move to Kansas State, the expectations were clear: he was supposed to bring leadership, skill, and a winning mentality. However, the Wildcats struggled in a deep Big 12 conference, and Hawkins was unable to replicate his previous success. The loss to Baylor cemented a difficult season, with Kansas State falling short of an NCAA Tournament bid. Meanwhile, Baylor (19-13) advanced to face No. 2 seed Texas Tech (24-7) in the next round.
What’s Next for Coleman Hawkins?
With his college career now behind him, Hawkins faces an uncertain future. Despite the struggles at Kansas State, his size, versatility, and past success could still make him an intriguing prospect for professional teams. He may look toward the NBA, the G League, or international opportunities as he takes the next step in his basketball journey.
Hawkins’ candid reflection after the loss showed maturity and self-awareness, qualities that could help him move forward from a challenging season. While Kansas State fans may have hoped for more from his tenure, his experience serves as a reminder of how pressure and expectations can impact even the most talented athletes. If he can learn from this season and refocus, Hawkins may still have a bright future ahead in the world of basketball.
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