Coleman Hawkins Gears up for Nuggets Training Camp After Extensive Offseason Prep
Former Illinois adn Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins is set to begin training camp with the Denver Nuggets later this month after a summer filled with rigorous workouts and preparations for his first season of professional basketball. The undrafted free agent signed with Denver after participating in the NBA Summer League with the Golden State Warriors.
Hawkins Prioritizes Growth and Embraces New challenges
Hawkins spent the offseason honing his skills across the contry. His training stops included Orlando, Florida, where he worked with Brandin Podziemski, a former teammate and current Warriors guard; Chicago; Sacramento, California; and los Angeles, where he joined sessions with trainer Rico Hines. Aiming to refine his skills,Hawkins said,”I like being uncomfortable. I like pushing myself. I don’t want to be doing the same drills and having the same trainers. I want multiple people telling me things that I can benefit from and get better at and push myself to be uncomfortable.”
Return to Roots: hawkins Finds Comfort in Champaign
Amidst his travels, Hawkins made a stop in Champaign, where he spent four years playing for the University of Illinois. He also worked out with fellow former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr. “It’s just so familiar to me,” Hawkins said, emphasizing the comfort he feels with the coaching staff and facilities. ”I just feel so cozy here… I just feel so at home when I’m here. I just want to be here,” he added. Other former Illinois standouts, including Ayo Dosunmu and Marcus Domask, have also returned to Champaign this summer.
Collage Career highlights: Illinois and Kansas State
Hawkins played in 126 games during his four seasons at Illinois, starting 82 of them. As a 6-foot-10 forward, he earned All-Big Ten Second-Team honors from the associated Press in the 2023-24 season. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists during his time with the Illini, with his best season coming in 2023-24 when he posted 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. After graduating from Illinois, Hawkins played his final year of college basketball at Kansas State, where he averaged 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, earning all-Big 12 third-Team honors.
Summer League Experience and Nuggets Chance
Despite going undrafted, Hawkins signed with the Warriors for Summer League, where he played six games in both the California classic and Las vegas Summer League, averaging 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. Reflecting on his Summer League stint, Hawkins noted challenges in fully showcasing his abilities due to a large roster and playing out of position much of the time.
Ultimately, Hawkins opted to sign with the Denver Nuggets, citing their consistent interest and the opportunity to compete. “I think Denver has always had interest,” hawkins said. “They were heavy on me. … I’m ready to go out there and just compete. Play against good competition. See the real NBA feel and what the game is like.” He anticipates gaining valuable experience, perhaps with the Nuggets’ G League affiliate, which he believes closely mirrors the NBA team’s approach to player development.
Coleman Hawkins Gears Up for Nuggets Training Camp: Q&A
Former Illinois and Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins is preparing for his first NBA season with the Denver Nuggets.Hear’s a rapid Q&A to get you up to speed:
Get ready to follow Coleman Hawkins’ journey with the Denver Nuggets! His dedication and work ethic are sure to make his rookie season exciting.
