Coleman Hawkins’ Historic NIL Deal Could Deplete the Second Round of the NBA Draft

Coleman Hawkins has dominated headlines in June. When the four-year University of Illinois forward withdrew from the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft in late May, he instantaneously became the top player in the transfer portal and the belle of the ball to collegiate coaches nationwide. Roughly two weeks after withdrawing from the NBA Draft, Hawkins declared that he is off to Manhattan, Kansas, receiving a historic NIL “pay-for-play” contract in the ballpark of $2,000,000 to join the Kansas State Wildcats roster. 

Hawkins had an impressive campaign in his fourth year at Illinois, averaging 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and impactful defensive play. The senior has been an integral part of Brad Underwood’s successful tenure as the Illini’s head coach and a crucial piece of this year’s team that put Illinois into the elite eight for the first time in nearly two decades –– the Illini ultimately fell to the buzz saw that is the two-time repeating NCAA March Madness Champion UConn Huskies.