Jordan Hawkins Bio
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born on April 29, 2002, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Hawkins attended the University of Connecticut (UConn) for his college basketball career, where he showcased his talent by being named the Most Outstanding Player in the 2023 NCAA tournament as UConn claimed the national championship. He was selected as the fourteenth pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft and has quickly established himself in the league.
Early Life and Background
Hawkins grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and initially attended Gaithersburg High School. He transferred to DeMatha Catholic High School after his sophomore year. During his senior year, 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 impressive performance earned him recognition as a four-star recruit, and he committed to playing college basketball for UConn over offers from several other schools, including Louisville, Marquette, Xavier, and Seton Hall.
Path to Basketball
At UConn, Hawkins played in 27 games as a freshman, averaging 5.8 points and two rebounds per game. He was named to the Big East Conference All-Freshman team at the end of the season. However, his freshman year was marred by a concussion that caused him to miss the Huskies’ Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament games. Entering his sophomore season, Hawkins became the starting shooting guard for the Huskies. Despite suffering a second concussion during the season opener, he returned to score 20 points against UNC-Wilmington. He finished the season averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, earning first-team All-Big East honors.
Jordan Hawkins Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
Hawkins’ college career culminated in a remarkable performance during the 2023 NCAA tournament, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West Regional. He averaged 22 points and four rebounds in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games. In the national championship game, Hawkins scored 16 points as UConn defeated San Diego State 76–59, securing the national title. Shortly after this victory, Hawkins announced his decision to forgo the remainder of his college eligibility and enter the 2023 NBA draft.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
The New Orleans Pelicans selected Hawkins with the fourteenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He made an immediate impact in the league, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility as a shooting guard. On January 13, 2024, Hawkins scored a career-high 34 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks. His performance has established him as a promising young talent in the NBA.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jordan Hawkins’ signature achievement thus far is being part of the UConn team that won the NCAA championship in 2023, where he also earned the title of Most Outstanding Player in the tournament. His transition to the NBA has been marked by significant milestones, including his selection as a first-round draft pick and his impressive scoring performances.
Jordan Hawkins Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jordan Hawkins has received several notable nominations, particularly during his time at UConn, where he was recognized for his outstanding performances in college basketball.
Jordan Hawkins Awards Won
Jordan Hawkins has won several prestigious awards, including the NCAA championship title in 2023, and has been recognized as a first-team All-Big East player in the same year. He was also named to the Big East All-Freshman team in 2022.
Jordan Hawkins Family
Information regarding Jordan Hawkins’ family is limited, but it is known that he has a cousin, Angel Reese, who played college basketball for the LSU Tigers women’s team. Both Hawkins and Reese achieved national championships in 2023, celebrating their victories within days of each other.
Personal Life
Details about Jordan Hawkins’ personal life are not extensively documented, but it is noted that he shares a close familial connection with his cousin, Angel Reese, highlighting a shared legacy in collegiate basketball.
