In a tough break for Jerome Tang and the Kansas State Wildcats, star forward Coleman Hawkins is set to miss Sunday’s matchup vs. Arizona State.
According to a report from the Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, Hawkins suffered a knee injury vs. Utah, which will keep him sidelined for the game.
Kansas State’s Coleman Hawkins Ruled Out vs. Arizona State Due to Knee Injury
Published: February 23, 2025
The Kansas State Wildcats are facing a significant setback heading into Sunday’s showdown against Arizona State, as star forward Coleman Hawkins has officially been ruled out due to a knee injury.
The news, first reported by Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, confirmed that Hawkins sustained the injury during Kansas State’s recent road game against Utah. While the extent of the damage hasn’t been fully disclosed, the knee issue was enough to sideline him for one of the team’s most important non-conference matchups of the season.
Hawkins’ Impact This Season
Hawkins has been one of head coach Jerome Tang’s most reliable contributors throughout the 2024-25 campaign. The senior forward has averaged 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 39.8% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor, facilitate from the post, and defend multiple positions has made him a key piece of the Wildcats’ frontcourt strategy.
Over the last few games, Hawkins had not looked quite like himself. In the matchup against Utah, he appeared to be favoring his leg and was noticeably limited in his mobility, sparking early concern from coaches and fans.
Who Steps Up in His Absence?
With Hawkins out, Kansas State will need others to rise to the occasion. Kentucky transfer Ugonna Onyenso and JUCO standout Mobi Ikegwuruka are expected to shoulder the bulk of the frontcourt responsibilities.
Onyenso, though used sparingly throughout the season, showed flashes of his potential against Utah. He contributed five points, four blocks, and two rebounds in just 17 minutes, showcasing his rim protection and interior presence.
Ikegwuruka has primarily been a defensive role player, averaging 13 minutes per game in Big 12 play. His energy off the bench and physical presence in the paint could be vital in containing Arizona State’s athletic forwards.
What’s at Stake for Kansas State
Kansas State enters this game with its season hanging in the balance. The Wildcats have dropped two straight and are in desperate need of a bounce-back win to remain relevant in NCAA Tournament conversations.
Currently favored by 5.5 points, the Wildcats will host Arizona State at Bramlage Coliseum, with tipoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT. Without Hawkins, the team will need a collective effort to get back on track and protect their home court.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Coach Tang adjusts his rotation and game plan in Hawkins’ absence.
In 2024-25, Hawkins has been an instrumental piece in the front court for Jerome Tang and company, averaging 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 39.8% shooting from the field. He was visibly off against the Utes in Salt Lake City, and had been struggling for the past few games.
In his absence, Kansas State will likely look to Kentucky transfer Ugonna Onyenso and JUCO commit Mobi Ikegwuruka to make up for Hawkins’ minutes. Onyenso had been used sparingly in recent weeks but is coming off one of his better games against the Utes, where he posted five points, four blocks, and two rebounds in 17 minutes.
Ikegwuruka has been used primarily as a defensive piece off the bench but is seeing about 13 minutes per game in conference play.
The Wildcats enter the game at home off of a two-game losing streak as 5.5-point favorites. Sunday’s game tips off at 3:00 p.m. central in Manhattan, Kansas.
