CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Fighting Illini star Coleman Hawkins announced on his social media accounts Wednesday that he is withdrawing from the 2023 NBA Draft and will return to Illinois for his senior season.
Hawkins will provide great continuity for the 2023-24 Illini lineup after starting all 33 games last season and leading the team in minutes played (32.5 mpg).
The 6-10 power forward's versatility and all-around game was on display in all facets last season, where he ranked third on the Illini in scoring (9.9 ppg), led the team in rebounds (6.3 rpg) as well as assists (3.0 apg), and was second on the roster in both blocked shots (1.2 bpg) and steals (1.1 spg).
The return of Hawkins adds production, leadership, and a veteran presence to an already experienced UI roster. Hawkins will reunite with Terrence Shannon Jr., who also announced his return Wednesday, and fellow teammates from last year's rotation that helped lead the Illini to a fourth-straight 20-win season and third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
"Coleman gained valuable experience and feedback going through this process and the NBA Draft Combine for the first time," head coach Brad Underwood said. "He showcased that same skill set and versatility he utilized to have a breakout junior year for us, and we're excited he is returning for his senior season. He is truly an outlier in today's game as someone who can guard every position on the court and play multiple positions on the offensive end. Coleman will go to work on the information he's learned to continue to enhance his game, and will be counted on to be a leader for next year's team."
COLEMAN HAWKINS | 2022-23 ILLINOIS HIGHLIGHTS
- Started all 33 games and led Illinois in minutes played (32.5 mpg)
- Third on Illini in scoring, averaging 9.9 ppg
- Led team in both rebounding at 6.3 rpg (15th in Big Ten) and assists at 3.0 apg (16th in B1G)
- Second on team in blocks (1.2 bpg, 8th in B1G) and steals (1.1 spg)
- Double-double with career-high 23 points – including five 3-pointers – and career high-tying 12 rebounds in season-opening win over Eastern Illinois (11/7/22)
- Fifth triple-double in school history with 15 points, 10 rebounds and career-high 10 assists in win over Syracuse (11/29/22)
- 16 points, seven boards and career-high tying four blocks at No. 22 Maryland (12/2/22)
- 20 points (7-11 FG) with career-high six 3-pointers in win over No. 14 Wisconsin (1/7/23)
- Game-high 18 points (8-13 FG) with eight boards in win over No. 24 Rutgers (2/11/23)
- 16 points and seven rebounds in win over Minnesota (2/20/23)
- Game-high six assists at No. 5 Purdue (3/5/23)
- 17 points (8-14 FG) in Big Ten Tournament vs. Penn State (3/9/23)
