Showcasing hard work

Since the end of last season, Hawkins has been working tirelessly to improve his game. He’s mainly focused on improving his biggest weaknesses: dribbling and defense.

That doesn’t mean he’s not working on polishing up his strengths. Hawkins is considered a sharpshooter but shot 33% from 3 last season. He shoots a minimum of 500 shots per day. Hawkins believes he’s a much better shooter than the percentages showed last season.

Hawkins has also focused on getting into good shape. He first stepped foot on campus weighing 170 pounds. Now, through weight lifting and a steady diet of protein-dense foods, he weighs 190.

Hawkins is an avid watcher of game film, studying a mix of college*

and NBA stars. His favorite NBA stars

to watch are Devin Booker and Zach Lavine, both of whom Hawkins tries to emulate on the court. Specifically, he wants to learn how they move off the ball and get open.

At the start of summer workouts on June 6, Hawkins’ summer grind paid off. According to Mamadou Diarra, Uconn’s new director of player development, Hawkins’ body looks more physically ready. He said he expects the guard to be a focal point on offense.

“I definitely see him taking a major step from last year to this year,” Diarra said. “He’s a lot more confident than he was last year. As a freshman, you are still getting your feet under you. I am excited to see what he does.”

Hawkins expects quite a bit out of himself.

“I am stepping up big time this year,” he said. “I am replacing some big shoes in R.J., Tyrese and all the seniors that have left. I have to replace them and be better.”

Hawkins has high aspirations for the upcoming season. He hopes to

make the All-big East First Team, but his main focus is leading Uconn to a Big East championship and a deep NCAA Tournament run.

“I think we are going to be great this year,” he said. “We have a really good squad coming in with transfers and the team coming back.”

Hawkins wants to make sure Uconn fans know this team has the “it” factor.

“We some killers,” he said. “We some dogs. It’s going to be fun.”