UConn guard Jordan Hawkins declares himself just days after winning the National Championship for the NBA Draft… as the sophomore is projected as a potential lottery pick
Fresh off winning the fifth national title in his alma mater’s history, University of Connecticut sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft.
Hawkins revealed the decision alongside UConn head coach Dan Hurley on ESPN’s NBA Today on Friday afternoon.
According to ESPN’s draft projections, Hawkins is currently the 15th best prospect in the draft and is listed as the fifth best shooting guard in the 2023 class.
This season, Hawkins was named a first-team All-Big East after averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game all season — including 40.9 percent shooting from the field and 38.8 percent from 3-point range.
In the NCAA Tournament, Hawkins averaged 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists en route to winning the national title over San Diego State in Houston. He was named the Most Outstanding Player in the West Region and was part of the Final Four team for all tournaments.
UConn guard Jordan Hawkins is leaving school for the NBA Draft this summer
Hawkins announced his decision live on ESPN’s “NBA Today” alongside UConn coach Dan Hurley
The Maryland guard averaged 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game this season
“It will be a blessing to hear my name called on draft night,” Hawkins said. “I’ve worked so hard for this, me and my dad, we’ve been through so much.
“When I first stepped onto campus in Storrs, I was a little kid, only 160 pounds. I didn’t know the school game. Coach Hurley threw me into the fire. He guided me through it.
“It means a lot to me to have him, to have this opportunity. He told me in sophomore year that I need to step up my game, make a name for myself. It’s great what we’ve done together as a team.’
Hawkins was one of the leaders of a young UConn team that went undefeated against non-conference opponents, winning every game at the tournament by at least 13 points.
He led the team in points in their Sweet 16 victory over Arkansas with 24 total – including three exhausted three-pointers.
“I had the highest expectations for us as a team,” said Hawkins. “We had a great team that came back. Coach Hurley always says the big players leave in March. I see myself as a big player.
“I had to make that leap. My teammates did the same. We did a great job on both sides. They were great.
“The past few days have been insane. We came back to campus, the whole school was waiting for us. I haven’t had much time to sleep. It’s been 36 crazy hours. It still doesn’t feel real.’
Hawkins was named to the West Region and Final Four teams for all tournaments this season
The product from Gaithersburg, Maryland is one of the top catch-and-shoot players in this 2023 draft class, rounding out his skills with “elite reach, footwork and body control that run off screens, off the dribble.” or get behind quick-release dribble transfers,” said ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
Givony added that Hawkins “has made progress this season with his defense, passing and shooting, areas where scouts wanted to see growth.”
“Shooting is my superpower,” Hawkins said. “There are a lot of ball-dominant guys in the NBA who can create their own ball [shot]. I can be a knockdown shooter and immediately play a significant role.
“As time goes on I can develop and become an even bigger part of the rotation because I know I’m more than just a shooter. There’s more to my game, but I have to prove it to the people.’
The NBA Draft will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 22.