Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Coleman Hawkins
Position: Forward
Team: Kansas State
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'10", 230 lbs
Birthdate: December 10, 2001
Previous School: Illinois
Player Overview
Coleman Hawkins is a versatile forward who combines size, length, and a modern skill set tailored for the NBA. Hawkins shows promise with his ability to space the floor as a stretch big, serving as a reliable catch-and-shoot option in pick-and-pop situations. His flashes of playmaking suggest he can act as a secondary facilitator, making intelligent passes from the high post or in transition. Defensively, Hawkins possesses the mobility to switch onto perimeter players while also providing interior presence, although he’s not an elite rim protector.
Despite his skill set, Hawkins’ inconsistency, particularly as a shooter, raises questions about his role at the next level. His mechanics can be awkward, and his efficiency has been streaky throughout his college career. Additionally, he needs to add strength to his frame without compromising mobility to handle the physical demands of guarding NBA-caliber bigs. With improved decision-making and shooting reliability, Hawkins has the tools to carve out a role as a valuable stretch forward.
"A versatile forward who brings a lot of valuable intangibles to the table, Hawkins checks many boxes. I believe his long-term success is directly tied to his efficiency as an outside shooter." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Stretch Big Potential: Displays the ability to space the floor with long-range shooting.
Playmaking Ability: Shows flashes of facilitating from the high post and in transition.
Defensive Versatility: Effective in switching onto guards and wings, leveraging mobility and length.
High IQ Screener: Sets smart screens and excels in pick-and-pop scenarios.
Energy and Activity: He moves well for his size and stays active on both ends of the court.
Concerns
Shooting Mechanics: He must refine his shooting form for better consistency and efficiency.
Physical Strength: Lacks the strength to handle more physical post players effectively.
Athleticism: Fluidity and speed in motion need improvement for higher-level competition.
Decision-Making: Tends to settle for low-percentage shots, impacting his offensive efficiency.
Questions
Can he show better decision-making with his shot selection?
Will his interior defense improve enough to add consistency as a rim protector?
Can he demonstrate a more clearly defined role that translates to the NBA?
Can he add weight without sacrificing mobility and agility?
Bottom Line
Coleman Hawkins is a versatile forward with the tools to contribute as a modern stretch big in the NBA. His length, mobility, and ability to space the floor make him an intriguing prospect, but his shooting inconsistencies, lack of strength, and questions about his defined role must be addressed. With improved decision-making and continued growth as a shooter, Hawkins could carve out a role for himself at the next level.
Stay ahead of the game! Check out the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board to discover the top-ranked prospects and their potential draft positions.