Jordan Hawkins is quickly gaining popularity in the NBA world after being drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans. Before entering the NBA, Hawkins developed his skills with the UConn Huskies, where he showed his talents on the court.
Hawkins started his freshman year with okay statistics, he played in 27 games averaging 5.8 points and two rebounds per game. Even after suffering a concussion near the end of the season which sidelined him for important tournament games, his performance secured him a spot on the Big East Conference All-Freshman team.
Actually, it was his sophomore season that took everyone’s attention and put him on the NBA’s radar. As UConn’s starting shooting guard, Hawkins came back from a concussion sustained in the season opener to average an impressive 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game and was named first-team All-Big East.
Season | Team | GP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
2021-22 | UConn | 27 | .353 | .333 | .821 | 2.0 | .5 | 5.8 |
2022-23 | UConn | 37 | .409 | .388 | .887 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 16.2 |
Career | 64 | .396 | .376 | .872 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 11.8 |
The highlight of his college career came in the 2023 NCAA tournament. Hawkins was an important player in his team’s success, averaging 22 points and four rebounds in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player of the West Regional. His important 16-point contribution in the national championship game against San Diego State helped the Huskies win the title with a 76–59 score.
Jordan Hawkins averaged 11.8 points per game over his two years at UConn
Hawkins’ overall college career statistics are as impressive as his individual season achievements. During his two years at UConn he averaged 11.8 points per game, Hawkins showed consistent improvement on the court.
His scoring ability, and defensive skills like averaging steals and blocks per game, made him a major contributor to the Huskies championship run. Hawkins’ decision to enter the 2023 NBA draft after just two seasons was driven by his outstanding performances and the promising potential he showed during his time at UConn.
Jordan Hawkins last night
31 Pts
7 rebs
3 Ast
7/14 3pm
1.4 PPP
Dangerous shot maker and shooter, elite relocator and horizontal floor spacerLit up the nuggets and this will continue, went Lotto for a reason pic.twitter.com/IDu86PI0VJ
— 🪼. (@juerter) November 7, 2023
As he is already showing a promising start to his professional career with the New Orleans Pelicans, fans and analysts are eager to see how Hawkins applies his college success to the NBA. Seeing his past, the Pelicans may have secured a future star who might make an impact in the league.