Jordan Hawkins Bio
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on April 29, 2002, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, he plays the shooting guard position and wears jersey number 24. He joined the Pelicans after a standout college career at UConn, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA tournament as the Huskies captured the national championship. Selected with the fourteenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Hawkins has quickly established himself as a promising young scorer at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he first developed his love for basketball. He attended Gaithersburg High School before transferring to DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, after his sophomore year. DeMatha Catholic is well known for producing top basketball talent, and Hawkins flourished in that competitive environment.
As a senior, Hawkins was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 19.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game. His all-around production drew national attention and established him as one of the top recruits in his class. He was rated a four-star recruit and committed to playing college basketball for UConn over offers from Louisville, Marquette, Xavier, and Seton Hall.
Path to Basketball
Hawkins arrived at UConn in 2021 and quickly earned a role in the Huskies’ rotation. As a freshman, he appeared in 27 games and averaged 5.8 points and two rebounds per game, demonstrating the kind of efficiency and poise that often signals future stardom. His promising debut campaign was recognized when he was named to the Big East Conference All-Freshman team at the end of the season.
A concussion near the end of his freshman year kept him out of the Big East Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, but Hawkins used the setback as motivation heading into his sophomore season. He entered his second year as the Huskies’ starting shooting guard, signaling his readiness for a larger role. He had already shown the scoring touch and defensive instincts that made him one of the most intriguing young guards in college basketball.
Jordan Hawkins Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
During his freshman year at UConn, Hawkins played in 27 games and posted averages of 5.8 points and two rebounds per game. His efficient play and willingness to contribute on both ends of the floor helped him earn a spot on the Big East All-Freshman team. The season ended earlier than he hoped after a concussion forced him to miss the conference and NCAA tournaments, but the experience laid the foundation for his breakthrough sophomore year.
That offseason was an important developmental period for Hawkins, who worked to add strength and polish to his offensive game. Coaches within the UConn program praised his work ethic, and his teammates recognized his potential as a future leader. By the time preseason practice began for his second year, Hawkins had clearly grown into a more complete and confident player.
UConn Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Hawkins emerged as one of the Big East Conference’s most dynamic scorers during his sophomore season at UConn. He was named first-team All-Big East at the end of the regular season after averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He also battled through a second concussion during the season opener but returned quickly and scored 20 points in his comeback game against UNC-Wilmington.
His best basketball arrived on the biggest stage. Hawkins was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West Regional of the 2023 NCAA tournament after averaging 22 points and four rebounds in UConn’s Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games. He then scored 16 points in the national championship game against San Diego State as the Huskies rolled to a 76–59 victory and the national title. Shortly after the game, Hawkins announced that he would forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA draft.
New Orleans Pelicans Era (2023–Present)
The New Orleans Pelicans selected Hawkins with the fourteenth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. He made an immediate impression during his rookie season and was also assigned to the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate, for additional development. His combination of perimeter shooting and competitive energy fit well with the Pelicans’ up-tempo offensive philosophy.
One of the early highlights of his professional career came on January 13, 2024, when Hawkins scored a career-high 34 points and grabbed five rebounds in a 118–108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The performance offered a glimpse of his scoring potential at the NBA level and reinforced the Pelicans’ confidence in their first-round pick.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hawkins’ signature moment on the national stage came in April 2023, when he helped UConn win the NCAA championship and earned Most Outstanding Player honors for the West Regional. He joined the Pelicans as a lottery pick and wasted little time posting a 34-point career high against Dallas. His rapid rise from four-star recruit to national champion to NBA starter has marked him as one of the more promising young players in the league.
Jordan Hawkins Career Wins
College Highlights
Hawkins’ most significant team victory came in April 2023, when he helped UConn capture the NCAA national championship with a dominant 76–59 win over San Diego State. He contributed 16 points in the title game and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West Regional after leading the Huskies through the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds.
Other Wins and Performances
Earlier in his career, Hawkins was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school senior at DeMatha Catholic, capping a decorated prep career. In the NBA, he has already produced standout individual performances, including a 34-point career-high game against the Dallas Mavericks in January 2024.
Jordan Hawkins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hawkins was raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and comes from an athletic family. His cousin, Angel Reese, played college basketball for the LSU Tigers women’s team and is one of the most recognizable names in the sport.
Personal Life
Hawkins and his cousin Angel Reese both won national championships in 2023, with UConn and LSU capturing their respective titles within two days of each other. The two were also born very close together, with Hawkins being one week older than Reese. Off the court, Hawkins stays connected to fans through his social media presence.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NBA season, Hawkins continues to develop within the New Orleans Pelicans organization as a key part of their young core. The Pelicans are counting on his perimeter shooting and offensive versatility to help complement their veteran leaders and emerging stars. His ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot will be central to the team’s offensive plans.
Hawkins’ early NBA resume, highlighted by his 34-point performance against Dallas, suggests he is ready for a larger role. The Pelicans’ investment in his development through G League stints with the Birmingham Squadron has been designed to prepare him for sustained NBA minutes. Coaches have praised his work ethic and his willingness to learn from more experienced teammates.
With another season of experience under his belt, Hawkins is positioned to take a meaningful step forward in 2025. Continued growth in efficiency, defense, and decision-making will be the focus, and the Pelicans appear committed to giving him the opportunity to do so.
