Adapting to the college game

By the end of his first season, Hawkins felt like a brand-new player. He had learned the ins and outs of the college game.

Hawkins credits the coaching staff and veteran players with teaching him how to carry himself on and off the court. In games, they taught him how to lead the team, ensure guys were in the right spots and doing the right thing.

“I remember R.J. [Cole], Tyrese [Martin], Tyler Polley and how they were as leaders,” Hawkins said. “They inspired me. I took that all in.”

The most significant difference between college and high school basketball? Hawkins couldn’t just focus on one part of the game; he had to expand his game by becoming more detail-oriented.

“I didn’t pay attention to the little things in high school, just scoring,” he said. “I learned everybody on the court can score (in college). You have to find what separates you from everybody else. It takes the little things to win basketball games such as defense, rebounding and communicating with teammates to ensure everybody is on the same page.”

Hawkins’ personality and dedication to winning helped win over his teammates. On the court, he was hyper-focused, emotional and trying “to be a killer.” Off the court, he’s laidback and chill.

In April, four teammates Hawkins

had gotten close with entered the NCAA transfer portal. Forward Akok Akok transferred to Georgetown, guard Rahsool Diggins to Umass, guard Jalen Gaffney left for Florida Atlantic and guard Corey Floyd Jr. went to Providence.

While it was hard to see them go, Hawkins is happy those players made the best decision for themselves.

In their place, the Huskies added three guards from the transfer portal in Texas A&M sophomore Hassan Diarra, East Carolina junior Tristen Newton and Virginia Tech junior Nahiem Alleyne.

“They got some dogs on the team,” Hawkins said. “Hassan is a killer. Tristen is a killer. Nahiem is a killer. I love those guys.”