Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang has come to the defense of Coleman Hawkins, the high-profile transfer from Illinois who has faced criticism for a slow start to the season. Despite an underwhelming offensive performance in the Wildcats’ recent matchup against Mississippi Valley, Tang remains confident in Hawkins’ abilities and potential to turn things around.
NIL Expectations and Early Criticism
Hawkins, who reportedly secured a significant NIL deal worth at least $1 million upon transferring, has yet to meet lofty expectations. His most recent outing saw him score just two points while shooting 1-for-11 from the field. However, he compensated with an impressive 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass, a contribution Tang found encouraging.
Tang’s Optimistic Outlook
Speaking on Hawkins’ struggles, Tang expressed confidence in the forward’s capabilities.
“Rebounding was something we were lacking, and he stepped up today,” Tang explained. “He missed some layups, but that doesn’t concern me because he’s shown he’s a good basketball player. I see it every day in practice. He’s going to make those shots—it’s only a matter of time.”
Tang emphasized that Hawkins’ rebounding effort marked a significant improvement and showed his willingness to adapt to team needs.
“Getting 13 rebounds, with seven offensive ones, is huge. That’s been a focus for us, and he delivered. His missed layups weren’t ideal, but his effort on the boards made up for it,” Tang added.
Looking Ahead
Hawkins’ struggles aren’t isolated, as teammate Brendan Hausen also had an off-night
