The name of the name, image and resemblance (Nile) in university athletics was greeted by students-athletes who were able to take advantage of brand partnerships, some of whom make millions of fresh people from the school.
Coleman Hawkins of the state of Kansas, however, shows a different side of this system when athletes do not meet expectations despite these millions.
The Wildcats fell to the Baylor Bears, 70-56, in the Big 12 tournament, and the defeat ended the team’s campaign in 2024-25.
Kansas state coach Jerome Tang said in his post-match comments that it was unlikely that the team will accept an offer to a consolation tournament-the NIT or the new Crown Crown tournament in Las Vegas.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover on Foxnews.com
Coleman Hawkins, Wildcats guardian from the state of Kansas, goes to the basket during the first half against the Sun Devils of Arizona at the T-Mobile Center. (Images William Purnell / Imagn)
Hawkins, a transfer from Illinois fighting Illini, was supposed to lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament, which he managed last season with an Elite Eight appearance. He also said for the NBA project but returned to college and was paid $ 2 million to transfer to the state of Kansas.
But Hawkins, 23, did not have the same season as with Illinois last year, with an average of 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, while pulling 40.1% of the field and 30.3% in a three -point territory. Hawkins collected on average 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while pulling 45.1% on the field last season.
9 Unmissable march festival festival supplies
The Kansas State that does not meet expectations this season, Hawkins has shown a brutal side of being a best paid player.
“These guys have not known some of the things I have experienced,” said Hawkins through tears, referring to the reaction he has obtained from fans this season. “I really wanted to come and have an impact on the program. I’m sorry to have cried, but, s —, this s — hurts.
The Kansas state of the Wildcats of Kansas, Coleman Hawkins (33), goes to the basket around Baylor Bears Norchad Omier (15) during the second half at the T-Mobile Center. (Images William Purnell / Imagn)
“I feel like I drop a lot of people. I feel like I’ve done a bad job to let people talk about myself. It affected my game. It was happening all year round. I want me to just go back and block everything, not for me, but for the team, so that we can have a more successful year. It is a learned lesson for me, and I wish the best for the future of this program.
Hawkins has finished his fifth year of college, which means that his play days at this level are over. He will now examine the potential professional opportunities, which could once again declare for the draft of the NBA.
But the emotions of Hawkins and, more importantly, the vitriol and the backlash it has received, is the reality of this payment system that the NCAA and each university sport are always trying to navigate.
The Kansas state of the Wildcats of the Kansas State, Coleman Hawkins (33), holds the ball against the Bearcates striker of Cincinnati, Dillon Mitchell (23) in the second period in the fifth third arena. (Katie Stratman / Imagn images)
Like professionals who sign large contracts, expectations go through the roof when the dollar amount is made public. Fans expect the players to play their contract, and when this does not happen, the backlash can be brutal.
Hawkins noted that going through this since the start of the season and blocking it was not easy.
