Top star has been a disappointing investment in college basketball this season. Kansas State spent over $1.5 million on the former Illinois standout, who has delivered lackluster performances through 10 games. Some fans have voiced strong dissatisfaction with his play.
He joined the Wildcats after four seasons with the Illini, where he posted solid but not spectacular averages in 2023-24: 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game.
Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 230 pounds, Coleman Hawkins attracted significant interest when he entered the transfer portal as a graduate last offseason. Ultimately, Kansas State secured him with a financial package worth approximately $2 million, the most lucrative deal for any active college basketball player. While many observers considered the deal an overpay based on his performance over the last four years, the Wildcats were willing to make the investment.
Unfortunately, the 2024-25 season has not justified the expense.
Hawkins’ production has been inconsistent, with as many single-digit scoring games as double-digit ones and an equal number of games with five or fewer rebounds as those with more. His averages—9.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game—fall short of expectations for a player earning $2 million for less than a year’s work. Compounding the disappointment, Kansas State sits at a 6-4 record with losses to LSU, Liberty, Saint John’s, and Drake.
Head coach Jerome Tang has pushed back against what he perceives as unfair criticism of his team, stemming from the significant financial investments in the roster. However, many believe it’s reasonable for fans to expect a 23-year-old fifth-year senior, earning over 30 times the average annual salary in America, to perform at a higher level.
That said, some comments from fans toward Hawkins and his teammates have crossed the line, highlighting the need for a balance between criticism and respect.
“I can’t check my phone without seeing people wishing the worst for me—and not just me, but our entire team. It’s devastating. Just now, I saw someone write, ‘I hope you break your leg.’ That’s the kind of negativity we’ve been dealing with all season.
It hits me hard because I would never wish that kind of harm on anyone, not even my worst enemy. We show up, practice every day, and give it our all in games. We’re doing the best we can.
My message to my teammates is this: it’s us against everyone. We need to focus on what we can control, tune out the noise, and stay locked in for the rest of the season.”
— Coleman Hawkins
Despite the rocky start, there’s still plenty of time left in the season. Hawkins has the potential to elevate his game and emerge as a star, while Kansas State could hit their stride at the perfect moment and make a strong run through the Big 12. However, it’s clear that fans won’t be satisfied until those expectations are met.
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