Kansas State's Coleman Hawkins on Season's End

Kansas State senior Coleman Hawkins expressed deep disappointment after a season-ending 70-56 loss to Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament, marking the end of the Wildcats' postseason hopes. Hawkins, who transferred from Illinois with a $2 million NIL deal, blamed himself for the team's performance, despite being a key player. His emotional post-game interview highlighted the pressure and criticism he faced due to high expectations from the NIL era, admitting that it affected his play. Coach Jerome Tang noted the challenges of handling such expectations and confirmed that Kansas State would not pursue a consolation tournament. Hawkins' experience underscores both the opportunities and pressures of NIL deals in college sports, as players like him navigate increased expectations and public scrutiny. The Wildcats finished the season with a 16-17 record, missing out on the NCAA Tournament.