Illinois' Coleman Hawkins set to enter transfer portal, too

Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins said Tuesday he plans to enter the transfer portal but remains focused on the NBA draft.

Hawkins said last week in a post announcing his decision to enter the NBA draft that he is "100% set on the 2024 NBA draft."

On Tuesday, he maintained that stance -- but is giving himself another option by also entering the transfer portal.

"My intention is 100% to stay in the draft and I am fully focused on that process," Hawkins wrote on social media. "I wanted to make sure I take every opportunity to protect myself in case of injury or any other unforeseen circumstances down the road.

"With the recent NCAA rule change regarding grad transfers, and the May 1 deadline approaching, entering the portal gives me the best chance to protect myself in those instances and maximize my opportunities as I go through the pre-draft process."

The deadline to submit paperwork to enter the transfer portal is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.

Hawkins, a 6-foot-10 forward, had the best season of his career in 2023-24 while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists, shooting 36.9% from 3-point range and showing impressive versatility defensively.

The California native struggled as a freshman but began to show flashes of his potential as a sophomore and has made strides every season. He's started 68 games over the last two seasons and 82 games during his four-year career.

Coach Brad Underwood began to replace Hawkins on Tuesday, landing a commitment from Evansville transfer Ben Humrichous . The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 14.7 points and 4.7 points this past season, shooting 41.4% from 3.