# Kansas State's Coleman Hawkins inconsolable talking about NIL backlash: 'I let a lot of people down'

Hawkins was reportedly paid $2 million to join Kansas State after initially declaring for the NBA Draft in 2024.



Kansas State Wildcats guard Coleman Hawkins drives to the basket during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at T-Mobile Center. (William Purnell/Imagn Images)

Hawkins, a transfer from the Illinois Fighting Illini, was supposed to lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament, something he handled well last season with an Elite Eight appearance. He also declared for the NBA Draft but returned to college and reportedly got paid $2 million to transfer to Kansas State.

But the 23-year-old Hawkins didn't have the same season he had with Illinois last year, averaging 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, while shooting 40.1% from the field and 30.3% from three-point territory. Hawkins averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 45.1% from the field last season.

With Kansas State not meeting expectations this season, Hawkins showed a brutal side of being a top-paid player.

"I feel like I let a lot of people down. I feel like I did a poor job of letting people talk about me. It affected my play. It was happening all year. I wish I could just go back and block out everything, not for myself, but for the team, so we could have a more successful year. This is a learned lesson for me, and I wish the best for the future of this program."

Hawkins finished his fifth year of college, meaning his playing days at this level are done. He will now look ahead to potential professional opportunities, which could be declaring for the NBA Draft yet again.

But Hawkins' emotions and, more importantly, the vitriol and backlash he received, is the reality of this pay-to-play system that the NCAA and every college sport are still trying to navigate.



Kansas State Wildcats guard Coleman Hawkins (33) dribbles around Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. (William Purnell/Imagn Images)



Much like professionals who sign big-money contracts, expectations go through the roof when the dollar amount is made public. Fans expect the players to play up to their contract, and when that doesn't happen, the backlash can be brutal.

Hawkins noted that going through that since the beginning of the season and blocking it out wasn't easy.



Kansas State Wildcats guard Coleman Hawkins (33) holds the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Dillon Mitchell (23) in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. (Katie Stratman/Imagn Images)

"I wish I could just go back and block out everything, not for myself, but for the team, so we could have a more successful year. This is a learned lesson for me, and I wish the best for the future of this program."

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