Mountaineers on Alert: Big 12 Foe Kansas State Lands Top Transfer!

The Big 12 Conference just got a whole lot tougher for West Virginia and the rest of the league. Conference rival Kansas State has shaken things up in a big way this offseason, landing one of the most coveted transfers in the nation: former Illinois standout Coleman Hawkins.

Hawkins, a highly-rated big man, announced his decision to join the Wildcats on Friday. The move comes after a stellar four-year career with the Fighting Illini, where he averaged over 12 points, 6 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game. He also impressed with his outside shooting, knocking down over 36% of his three-point attempts.

The West Virginia faithful will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Hawkins’ development in Manhattan. The addition of this versatile threat instantly bolsters a Kansas State team that underwent a major roster overhaul. The Wildcats, under third-year coach Jerome Tang, boast one of the nation’s deepest NIL war chests, and they’ve used it to assemble an impressive group of transfers.

Hawkins Doesn’t want to play center

Hawkins’ decision to join Kansas State might come as a surprise to some Mountaineer fans. After all, his former Illinois coach, Chester Frazier, is now an assistant at West Virginia. There was initial speculation that WVU might be a potential landing spot for a reunion. However, according to reports, the Mountaineers did explore the possibility of bringing Hawkins in, but there wasn’t a perfect fit.

Sources indicate that Hawkins’ desire to play the wing, rather than a traditional center role, ultimately swayed his decision. This preference for a perimeter position likely aligns better with his aspirations of improving his draft stock for the NBA.

A Transformed Kansas State Threatens the Big 12

This aggressive approach to the transfer portal has transformed Kansas State’s roster. While they retain just one semi-regular starter from last year’s squad, the overall talent level has undeniably taken a significant leap. With Hawkins leading the charge, the Wildcats have a legitimate shot at contending for a Big 12 title and an NCAA Tournament berth.

For West Virginia’s coaching staff, this development presents a new challenge within the conference. The Mountaineers will need to be prepared to face a much-improved Kansas State team when Big 12 play rolls around.