100% set on 2024 NBA Draft’: Hawkins Stands By Elite Eight Loss Declaration Ending His College Basketball Career

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood hinted Tuesday morning Illini staff has been planning for weeks to not have Coleman Hawkins return for a fifth season of eligibility.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

April 23, 2024

CHAMPAIGN — Standing by what he said in the losing locker room in Boston’s TD Garden, Coleman Hawkins announced on social media that his college basketball career has ended.

Following the 77-52 loss to Connecticut in the East Regional final of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Hawkins seemed somewhat surprised personnel representing local and national media outlets were asking him if he’d just . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Feb 7 - Hr2 - S4Ep26 - Matt Stevens, ACC Hoops, Paul Crane & Super Bowl Predictions

Listen

Feb 7 - Hr1 - S4Ep26 - Illini Men's & Women's Hoops, Kent Brown's Book & Best Super Bowl Performances

Listen

Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Cam Thomas 2026 4-Star Illini LB Commit

Listen

Poor 1st Half Start Sinks the Fighting Illini vs Rutgers - #458

Listen

Ivisic Returns, 5-Star CB Commits to Illini, Shauna Green Leads Illini to 17-5, Luka Traded & Super Bowl Prediction

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini 2nd Half Rally Sinks Ohio State Buckeyes - #457

Listen

Jan 31 - Hr2 - S4Ep25 - Ked's Recruiting Roundup, Jerry Palm of CBS & Game Predictions

Listen

Jan 31 - Hr1 - S4Ep25 - RIP Efrem, Bostic's Record, Bruce Douglas & Mike Small

Listen

Fighting Illini with an Unexpected 80-74 OT Loss to Nebraska - #456

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini Star C Out, Jerry Jones Strikes Again, & RIP Efrem Winters

Listen

Fighting Illini 83-74 Destruction of Northwestern #455

Listen

Jan 24 - Hour 2 - S4Ep24 - College Football, Caitlin Clark & Taylor Swift and Title IX

Listen

Jan 24 - Hour 1 - S4Ep24 - Illini Hoops & Recruiting and David Cobb of CBS

Listen

Fighting Illini Smashed 91-70 by Maryland - #454

Listen

Fighting Illini Lose to Spartans 80-78 in Close but Controversial Loss #453

Listen