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Coleman Hawkins returns to Illinois for 2023-24 season
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Coleman Hawkins is one of the most versatile contributors in the B1G. After declaring to test the 2023 NBA Draft waters, Hawkins let his decision on whether to go pro or return wait until late in the process.
Late Wednesday night, Hawkins announced his intentions to return for one more season in Champaign. Along with the return of Terrence Shannon Jr., the Illini will have the pieces to contend in the B1G and NCAA Tournament for the 2023-24 season.
— Coleman Hawkins (@colehawk23) June 1, 2023
It is virtually impossible to overstate the importance of Shannon and Hawkins to Illinois, particularly when examining their stats from a season ago. While Shannon was the team’s leading scorer, Hawkins started all 33 games and led the team in minutes per game (32.5) and assists per game (3) as a 6-foot-10 forward.
Hawkins set career-high numbers across the board last season while averaging 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks. He also shot 59% from inside the arc, trailing only big man Dain Dainja among Illinois regulars.
B1G outlook for 2023-24 season
Within the B1G, the league received a number of key players returning, including Purdue’s Zach Edey and multiple guards for Tom Izzo’s Michigan State program. Even with Hawkins and Shannon, the Illini will not be the favorites to win the B1G, but they should be competitive in just about every game they play within the league.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.