It turns out Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins' injury was more severe than first thought, but he was determined to to get back on the floor.

K-State fans have been slow to warm up to Hawkins this season. At times, they have viewed him as an overpaid rental player ever since he transferred in from Illinois on a NIL contract that is worth $2 million. But everyone in EMAW nation had to tip their hats to Hawkins for what he accomplished against the Bearcats.

Kansas State forward Coleman Hawkins made his return Wednesday against the Cincinnati after a three-game absence because of a knee injury. "Coleman wanted to play," K-State coach Jerome Tang said. "From the time he had the injury,

Kansas State's basketball team struggled Sunday against Arizona State without versatile forward Coleman Hawkins in the lineup.

With their season in a downward spiral, the hits just keep on coming for head coach Jerome Tang and the Kansas State Wildcats. Now, Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins is dealing with a knee issue just a couple of weeks before the NCAA Tournament.

CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein says the star forward could return to the lineup for the first time in half a month.