UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his team are among those to watch in the battle for former Illinois four-year forward Coleman Hawkins. CBS Sports' Matt Norlander There are some people who have caught our attention this week. Norlander said Arkansas, Kansas and Louisville are other potential landing spots for the 6-foot-10, 230-pound California native.
Also read: UNC coach eyes former Tar Heel legend
And that's not to mention the professional ranks. In the end, a week before entering the transfer portal late on April 30, Hawkins declared for the NBA Draft. Additionally, he is among 78 invitees to the NBA Draft Combine next week in Chicago.
The 22-year-old, who earned All-Big Ten honors last season while averaging 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, had until May 29 to withdraw his name as an early draftee and register. Must maintain qualifications. Eligibility for university entrance exams will be extended for another year.
“He will demand a very high NIL price,” Norlander explained. “And he really wants to go down the NBA path. But I think the rumors for Hawkins at this stage are that he's likely going back to college, but it's not a sure thing.”
With three open scholarships remaining for next season, UNC Basketball is looking for frontcourt help following the departures of full-time starter Harrison Ingram and post Armando Bacot. So far, Hubert Davis and his staff have not been successful in convincing the big names in this year's transfer portal to bring their talent to Chapel Hill.
Perhaps their luck will change with Coleman Hawkins.
stay tuned All Tar Heels from SI Click here for more UNC basketball news.