NBA Draft 2021: Joshua Christopher, Marcus Bagley among top California prospects

Coleman Hawkins – Illinois – 6’10 – 200 lbs – December 2001

I didn’t have any expectations for Hawkins going into the Prolific Prep games I watched, but when you’re 6’10 and can shoot at a high-clip, you are on my radar.

Hawkins is a very skilled offensive player. He shoots well, makes good passes, and can finish at the rim. He’s got a tendency to avoid contact, but with added strength that should be fixed. He’s got good touch with either hand, which is super encouraging at this stage. Hawkins has a bit of a low release on his jumper, but with his height, I don’t think that will matter as much.

Defensively, Hawkins uses his length to disrupt shots. He’s got good timing on blocks, especially from the weak side. How he fares against Big Ten physicality will be interesting, and he’ll probably struggle initially. But Illinois has a really good strength program and I’m optimistic that by next season, Hawkins will add much-needed muscle.

Joining a loaded Illinois team with Final Four aspirations, there may not be a ton of opportunity for Hawkins (who was a borderline top 100 player, to begin with). He’s in the thick of competition at the power forward spot with Da’Monte Williams, Giorgi Bezhanishvili, and Jacob Grandison.

All three of those players have more experience and strength than Hawkins, which may suit Illinois better. But in theory, Hawkins is a really good fit next to Kofi Cockburn. Hawkins can provide floor spacing and passing to Cockburn. If given the opportunity, I think Hawkins could be good right away.

Projecting when Hawkins will enter the NBA is hard given his lack of strength right now and the uncertainty over his minutes this year. It may take two to three years but I think at some point Coleman Hawkins will be worthy of an NBA draft selection.