Jordan Hawkins has gone from Gaithersburg, Maryland, to DeMatha Catholic High School, to the University of Connecticut, to hopefully the NBA. Hawkins declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, appearing on Friday on ESPN’s NBA Today with Malika Andrews.
Hawkins announced his decision with UConn head coach Dan Hurley sitting beside him. Hurley and Hawkins dapped each other up and later embraced each other.
His decision comes a mere four days after Hawkins cut down the nets after the Huskies secured its fifth national championship since 1999.
After coming off the bench as a freshman, the 6-foot-5 guard started 37 games this past season as a sophomore. He averaged 16.2 points while shooting 40.2% from the field, including 38.8% from three.
Hawkins has a great frame with an ideal NBA length. He can space the floor, find his spots without the ball, with the ability to create his shot. He also has solid agility and athleticism. All of those attributes are second to his beautiful shooting stroke. Yet, they all align together, as they did on the biggest shot in the National Championship Game against San Diego State.
The first player that may come to mind as an NBA comparison is Reggie Miller, especially with Hawkins’ ability to get his shot, coming off on-ball screens.
Jordan Hawkins is listed as ESPN’s No. 15 prospect, putting him on the cusp of being a lottery pick. He’s skyrocketing up draft projections after an impressive sophomore season.
Hawkins shot 43.5% from the field in six NCAA Tournament games, including 21-of-42 for 50% from three-point range. He was named to the NCAA All-Tournament first team.
Jordan Hawkins is only 20 years old with room to sharpen his skillset. His shooting travels, and his potential glares in his body’s frame. He may be a borderline lottery pick, but you’d be hard-pressed to find many players with better footwork, shooting stroke, and smoothness with and without the basketball. Keep an eye out for Hawkins. He could be a gem in this year’s NBA Draft.
