Kansas State’s highest-paid star faces his biggest test yet

Coleman Hawkins, Kansas State’s highest-paid and most controversial forward, is making waves with predraft workouts for several NBA teams.

The 6-foot-10, 230-pound big man has gotten looks from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, Hawkins revealed on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

In his lone season at Kansas State, Hawkins averaged 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, earning All-Big 12 third-team honors.

Before transferring to Manhattan, Hawkins spent four years with Illinois and was ranked the fourth-best power forward in the transfer class.

With NBA size and versatility on both ends, Hawkins showcased a well-rounded game this season. He can score inside and out, distribute the ball, and rebound effectively for his position.

Though he got off to a slow start, scoring double digits just once in the first five games, Hawkins broke out during Big 12 play, posting five straight double-digit scoring games. That stretch included wins over ranked West Virginia, Iowa State, and rival Kansas. He capped his season with a career-high 26 points and eight rebounds in a Big 12 tournament win over Arizona State.

Kansas State finished 16–17 overall, 9–11 in conference play, tying for ninth in the Big 12 and missing the NCAA tournament for a second straight year.

Off the court, Hawkins made headlines with a record NIL deal reportedly worth around $2 million, which sparked debate and distractions during his time in Manhattan.

Hawkins expressed frustration after details of his deal leaked publicly, telling Sports Illustrated, “That’s not my fault. I won’t say whose fault it is, but when there’s a tweet from (NBA insider) Shams Charania and people share your information, that’s not cool.” He added, “Whatever the number was never should have been public.”