If Coleman Hawkins decides to take advantage of an extra year of NCAA eligibility next season, all signs point to UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his crew being the top candidates for his services. There is. But it became an even bigger “what if” considering the former University of Illinois fourth-year big man's performance at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago on Wednesday.
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Hawkins made it clear this week that he wanted to remain an early draftee rather than return to some college, earning Player of the Game honors during the first scrimmage of the day at Wintrust Arena. Obtained.
The 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward is a third-team All-Big Ten talent, going 6-of-7 from the field, 3-of-4 and 2-of-2 from the field. He made amazing shots and scored 17 points. He had five rebounds, three assists, one block and -2 points at the foul line in just 22 minutes on the floor.
“I knew what I needed to improve on to look good and impress some scouts,” Coleman told ESPN on the court. “And I went out there and did it.”
So far, many mock drafts have Coleman Hawkins, one of the top uncommitted players in the transfer portal, listed as a late second-round prospect. But after Wednesday's impressive performance against his peers, that will quickly change, and perhaps his confidence to remain in the NBA draft (beyond the May 29 deadline to withdraw his name and maintain NCAA eligibility). One might think that this would go a long way in solidifying the .
In other words, the 22-year-old UNC basketball hopeful may be on the verge of being eliminated from contention.
Also read: UNC transfer target Ven Allen Rubin begins visit with Tar Heels
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