K-State’s Hawkins Shines as Wildcats Seek Big 12 Redemption

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State forward Arthur Hawkins has emerged as a pivotal force for the Wildcats, blending versatility and unselfish play to help the team navigate a challenging season. The 6-foot-10 senior, who transferred from Illinois, is averaging 10.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, leading the team in multiple statistical categories.

Hawkins, who helped Illinois reach the NCAA Tournament‘s Elite Eight last season, joined K-State after withdrawing from the NBA Draft. He signed a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal reportedly worth $2 million, but the Wildcats’ early struggles — a 9-11 overall record and 3-6 in the Big 12 — have placed him under intense scrutiny. Despite the pressure, Hawkins has remained a consistent contributor, excelling in areas beyond scoring.

“He’s 6-9, 6-10, and he can handle the ball like a guard,” said K-State coach Jerome Tang. “He’s gifted with his vision, and he can see the play before it happens. He can post, draw double-teams, and when he wants to, he can really shoot the ball. You can’t guard him one way.”

Hawkins’ impact has been particularly evident in recent games. In back-to-back wins over West Virginia and Oklahoma State, he combined for 26 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and six blocks. His ability to facilitate the offense has been a key factor in K-State’s resurgence, with guard Brendan Hausen benefiting from Hawkins’ playmaking. Hausen went 5-of-5 from 3-point range against Oklahoma State, scoring 18 points.

“My dad always tells me he’s the greatest passer he’s ever seen,” Hausen said of Hawkins. “He’s like a 6-10 point guard. If you have a 6-10 point guard on the floor who can shoot, pick-and-pop, and wants to hit guys, it’s pretty special.”

Hawkins’ unselfish approach stems from his early basketball experiences. “I feel like going back to my freshman year of high school, I grew up on AAU teams where the players’ dads were the coaches,” he said. “It was always ‘Daddy Ball,’ and the coaches’ kids got to shoot every shot. I had to find ways to impact the game beyond scoring.”

As K-State prepares to face Iowa State on Saturday, Hawkins remains focused on team success. “It fires me up when I pass the ball to Brendan and he makes a three,” he said. “Anybody making a shot off of something I do, it fires me up. I don’t know if people expected me to score 30 a night, but that’s just not who I am. I like passing and doing stuff that might not show up, but it excites me.”

The Wildcats’ recent performances, including improved shooting and defense, offer hope for a strong finish to the season. Hawkins’ leadership and versatility will be critical as they aim to climb the Big 12 standings.