LSU basketball to host elite Big Ten power forward early next week

As it would turn out, the Tigers might not be done with the transfer portal just yet. Most recently, it was reported that coach Matt McMahon and LSU basketball are expected to host elite Big Ten power forward Coleman Hawkins for a visit early next week.

LSU basketball expected to host elite Big Ten power forward next week

While coach Matt McMahon hasn’t exactly gotten the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament yet in his two seasons with the program, it’s hard to deny his ability build a team over a short period of time.

When he was first hired as the new LSU basketball coach, he was practically starting from scraps, needing to build an entire roster in just one offseason. Then, just one season later, he had to follow a similar suit due to some key losses through graduation.

Now, as we look ahead to the 2024 calendar year, the third-year head coach has once again found himself in recruiting mode, but there’s one very encouraging difference about this year’s cycle compared to the past two. For the first time since he made his way down to Baton Rouge, LA, it feels as though coach Matt McMahon has the flexibility to be fairly selective with the players he brings in, and is now placing a stronger emphasis on quality over quantity.

The most recent target to come to light was that of elite Big Ten power forward Coleman Hawkins, who spent the last four seasons making an impact for Illinois, but is now looking for a new home as a graduate transfer.

Illinois transfer forward Coleman Hawkins, the top available player in the portal, is scheduled to visit LSU on June 17th, source tells @On3sports. https://t.co/SKq17pgNY8 pic.twitter.com/hgrhPcHp7B

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) June 8, 2024

With 126 game appearances over the course of his four year career, Hawkins is about as experienced a player as you’ll find in the transfer portal this season, but it doesn’t stop there. His overall talent level is what has so many elite programs going after the talented big man, as he most recently recorded 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, showing off an all-around skillset that can make him a threat from just about anywhere on the court.

Additionally, after shooting the ball at 45.1 percent from the floor, 36.9 percent from long range and 79.2 percent from the free throw line – all of which are career highs – he’s only continued to improve throughout his time at the college level.

More Coleman Hawkins posters this year? (Without the inane technicals)🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QNUH7R4lEH

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) June 1, 2023

Coleman Hawkins took a trip to Kansas State over the weekend and will now set his sights on Baton Rouge, as he reportedly has a visit scheduled with LSU basketball early next week on Monday, June 17.

If the talented 6-foot-10, 230-pound big man out of Sacramento, CA, does eventually end up with the purple and gold, he’ll join a class of 2024 group that includes guard transfer portal additions Dji Bailey (Richmond), Jordan Sears (UT Martin) and Cam Carter (Kansas State) to go along with four impressive first-year players.

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