Hawkins, a 6-foot-5 guard, had a breakout sophomore season, capitalizing on his increased role to lead his team to an impressive NCAA Tournament triumph and a championship. He significantly elevated his scoring, nearly doubled his assists, and emerged as a prominent long-range shooter, particularly in crucial moments. His ability to hit advanced perimeter shots while on the move showcased his versatility beyond catch-and-shoot situations.
Although Hawkins displayed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, injuries hindered his consistency. As a highly regarded recruit for UConn, he has surpassed expectations at the college level.
A versatile combo guard, Hawkins possesses ideal NBA size and demonstrates intelligence on both ends of the court. It remains to be seen whether he will excel more as a point guard or off-ball guard in the future, with his potential shining through in both positions. The personnel he plays alongside may influence his role on the floor.
When attacking the rim, the ascending guard exhibits explosiveness and quickness, allowing him to finish with power or finesse. While he favors his right hand, he has made improvements in finishing with his left.
Defensively, Hawkins boasts tremendous upside. He excels at guarding the point of attack and showcases excellent footwork. Leveraging his length and lateral quickness, he can effectively defend up to three positions. Hawkins operates with discipline and thrives within defensive schemes.
Overall, Hawkins projects to be a highly reliable two-way guard in the NBA. His defensive potential is evident, as he consistently demonstrated throughout the season.
During his senior year at DeMatha Catholic, Hawkins led the team to an undefeated record, earning him the title of 2020-21 Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year. With remarkable year-over-year improvement, Hawkins has solidified his status as a first-round pick.