Hawkins received a reported $2 million to transfer to the Wildcats. He was inconsolable after their season ended.

Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins was one of the most scrutinized players in the NCAA this season. Most of it centered around him receiving a huge NIL deal to transfer from Illinois to the Wildcats instead of testing the NBA waters.

Hawkins wanted to lead the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament when he transferred in from Illinois for an NIL deal worth an unprecedented $2 million. He was a postseason regular when he played for the Fighting Illini and wanted to taste March Madness one last time before he turned pro.