Illinois basketball player Coleman Hawkins set to enter NCAA transfer portal

Illinois may lose another basketball player to the NCAA transfer portal.

Senior Coleman Hawkins will put his name into the transfer portal by tomorrow's May 1 deadline, while still going through the pre-draft process, CBS Sports senior writer Matt Norlander reported Tuesday. Norlander says Hawkins will still consider returning to Illinois despite entering into the transfer portal.

Illinois basketball:Illini lose fifth player to NCAA transfer portal

Hawkins posted a statement on social media shortly after the news of Norlander's report surfaced.

"My intention is 100% to stay in the draft," Hawkins wrote, addressing Illini Nation, "and I am fully focused on that process. I wanted to make sure I take every opportunity to protect myself in case of injury or any other unforeseen circumstances down the road.

"With the recent NCAA rule change regarding grad transfers, and the May 1 deadline approaching, entering the portal gives me the best chance to protect myself in those instances an maximize my opportunities as I go through the pre-draft process.

"I love the University of Illinois am proud to be earning my degree here. I'm forever indebted to coach (Brad) Underwood and loved playing for him throughout my college career. This was truly one of the best years of my life, and no matter what the future holds, Illinois will always be home."

The 6-foot-10 was the third leading scorer for the Illini, averaging 12.1 points a game and posting a tied for team-best 6.1 rebounds. He led the team in steals (1.5) and blocks (1.1) in starting 35 of Illinois' 38 games during the 2023-24 campaign.

Hawkins declared for the NBA Draft last week, becoming the only four-year player for Illini coach Brad Underwood out of high school.

What's next for Illinois basketball?Transfer portal, NBA, recruiting and more

By withdrawing from the draft and playing somewhere other than Illinois, Hawkins would be the sixth Illinois player to hit the portal following the Illini's run to the Elite Eight. Niccolo Moretti put his name in the portal on April 29, while Amani Hansberry (West Virginia), Sencire Harris (West Virginia), Dain Dainja (Memphis) and Luke Goode (Indiana) have each transferred and found new college teams for next season.

Illinois has already added four transfers: Carey Booth (Notre Dame), Kylan Boswell (Arizona), Tre White (Louisville) and Jake Davis (Mercer).