Elijah Hawkins mirrors trend that could impact college basketball’s future

Similar to many athletes who have exhausted their eligibility, Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins has opted to keep his options open, just in case.

In today’s unpredictable college sports landscape, trends shift quickly. The most recent involves players with no remaining eligibility entering the transfer portal in anticipation of a possible NCAA ruling that would allow a fifth season. On Tuesday, just before the spring window closed, Texas Tech guard Elijah Hawkins joined that group, adding his name to the portal in a move seen increasingly across the country.

Reports circulating on social media confirmed that Hawkins was among several players who entered the portal late Tuesday, despite current rules saying they’re out of eligibility. Now, like the others, he must wait to see whether the NCAA changes its stance on athlete eligibility this summer.

Should Hawkins be permitted to return, Texas Tech would likely welcome him back eagerly. The team needs another experienced guard to support sophomore Christian Anderson in managing the offense.

Many believe shifting Anderson to more of a scoring role would be ideal, benefiting both him and the team. Consequently, head coach Grant McCasland and his assistants are believed to be pursuing a lead guard through the transfer portal.

Hawkins’ potential return could boost Texas Tech’s 2025-26 ambitions

Hawkins played a critical role in Texas Tech’s 2024-25 campaign, especially in the later stages. As the season progressed, he emerged as perhaps the team’s most consistent guard.

His start in Lubbock was somewhat slow. Over his first 17 games, which lasted through January 26, Hawkins averaged 8.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds.

But he improved significantly in the final 18 games, posting 9.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per outing. Notably, he hit double figures in ten of those games, compared to six earlier in the year.

In half of Tech’s six postseason games, Hawkins shined as both a scorer and facilitator—vital during Chance McMillian’s injury absence. He tallied 12 points and 11 assists against Baylor in the Big 12 Tournament opener. Then, versus UNC Wilmington in the NCAA Tournament, he came close to a triple-double with 14 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds.

He followed that up with a 16-point, seven-assist outing against Drake in round two. Though he managed only four and three points in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, he still dished out five and seven assists in those games, respectively.

Texas Tech has invested heavily this offseason in scoring guards. Anderson is reportedly receiving $2 million to return, while transfer additions Donovan Atwell (13.3 points per game at UNC Greensboro) and Tyeree Bryan (10.4 at Santa Clara) will bring more offensive firepower.

Still, the Red Raiders need someone to organize the offense and defend well on the perimeter—two things Hawkins did exceptionally late in the year. If the NCAA allows him another year, Tech fans would love to see him back. By entering the portal before the deadline, he signaled he’s seriously weighing that possibility.