Former UConn men’s basketball star, Hornets guard James Bouknight reportedly arrested on suspicion of DWI

Former UConn men’s basketball star James Bouknight was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired on Sunday, Oct. 16, according to multiple reports.

The Hornets released in a statement: “We are aware of the incident involving James Bouknight and are in the process of gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time.”

Bouknight practiced with the Hornets on Monday, coach Steve Clifford told reporters.

Bouknight was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 11 overall pick in 2021, becoming the first UConn player selected in the first round since Shabazz Napier in 2014.

Bouknight played in 31 games during the 2021-22 regular season for the Hornets. In nearly 10 minutes per game, he averaged 4.6 points, 0.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds. He averaged 22.4 minutes in five preseason contests this year with 5.4 points, 1.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Bouknight was also arrested while at UConn in 2019, charged with evading responsibility and interfering with a police officer, among other charges, after allegedly fleeing the scene following a crash near the UConn campus.

An arrest warrant at the time showed that an officer who pulled Bouknight over “detected an odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from Bouknight.”

Bouknight fled the scene shortly after being asked for identification and later faced a series of charges that didn’t include driving under the influence.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.