LSU set to host No. 1 player in transfer portal
LSU is set to host the top remaining player in the transfer portal in Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins.
The 6-foot-10 senior went to the NBA Combine and had an quality showing in front of scouts, but withdrew his name from the NBA Draft, returning for his final college season in 2024.
Hawkins is currently on a visit with Kansas State, but on Saturday morning, On3’s Joe Tipton reported Hawkins was going to be visiting LSU on June 17th. Hawkins was set to visit Louisville, but canceled that visit.
Hawkins, the No. 1 available player in the portal according to On3, averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He shot 45.1% from the field, nearly 37% from three and 79.2 percent from the free throw line. Hawkins was a significant piece to a talented Illinois team that advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to UConn.
LSU has already added a trio of transfers with guards Jordan Sears, Cam Carter, and Dji Bailey, who will play significant roles in the Tigers’ backcourt. Also, McMahon has added three true freshmen to the team with Vyctorious Miller, Robert miller, and Curtis Givens, giving LSU pieces to build with in the future. LSU also added Noah Boyde as a walk-on big man from the junior college ranks, giving the Tigers 13 players on the roster entering the summer before the season.
The logistics of potentially adding Hawkins will have to be worked out if LSU reaches that point, but at the moment, getting him on campus and pitching him a significant role will be pivotal in the coming weeks. The addition of Hawkins would also show a commitment from LSU on the NIL front that had not previously been seen as the open market has enough demand to make Hawkins a highly paid prospect wherever he ends up.
Stay tuned to the Bengal Tiger On3 for the latest basketball recruiting news.
