Kansas State Basketball Signs Top Transfer to Multi-Million Dollar NIL Contract.
The Kansas State Wildcats made a significant move by signing Coleman Hawkins from the transfer portal, backed by a substantial NIL promise.
Hawkins was the top player remaining in the transfer portal before deciding to commit to Kansas State, as reported by NBA Insider Shams Charania.
As part of his commitment, Nate Conley of Court XIV and Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball negotiated a deal thought to be worth around $2 million from the Wildcats’ NIL collective.
This deal would represent the largest in college basketball.
It could also pave the way for athletes to stay in college longer, impacting the future of the sport.
With the NBA’s minimum salary for the previous season set at $1.12 million, players may find it more lucrative to remain in college rather than risk being cut from an NBA team or playing in the developmental league.
Although Hawkins is a solid college player, his talent level doesn’t typically command such a high price tag. Last season at Illinois, he averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 45.1 percent from the field.
This situation could set a precedent for other star players to negotiate significant compensation for themselves in the future.
Kansas State has been extremely active in the transfer portal, giving their roster a fresh new look.
Hawkins joins several other new additions, including Michigan guard Dug McDaniel, Cal State Fullerton guard Max Jones, Kentucky forward Ugonna Onyenso, and Samford forward Achor Achor.
Hawkins had considered entering the NBA draft but ultimately opted to return for one more year of college development to enhance his draft stock.
While NIL likely played a major role in his decision, he also made headlines at the combine with a unique requirement for his future school: a strong football program.
“I want to go somewhere where I can enjoy a football game,” said the former Illinois forward. “Some schools have reached out, and I’ve been upfront with them about my preferences. I’ve told them outright that I wouldn’t consider going there.”
The Wildcats’ football team finished last season ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll and is expected to be a Top-25 team again this year.
He also mentioned that he would not be playing in the Big Ten or Big East again.
