Tears of joy for UConn's Hawkins, family as sophomore declares for NBA Draft
Apr. 7—Sophomore Jordan Hawkins had some serious conversations with his family about his basketball future during the season.
UConn winning the program's fifth national championship Monday basically sealed Hawkins' decision to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft, according to Craig Hawkins, Jordan's father.
"It was a tough decision for him," Craig said Friday afternoon. "But I think he's ready, the coaches think he's ready. ... After the championship game, it was on his mind. We've been talking about it here and there. We kind of knew what he was going to do. As soon as they won the championship, I think it was a wrap."
Hawkins, a 6-foot-5 guard, officially announced his decision during an appearance with coach Dan Hurley on ESPN's NBA Today show Friday. He's projected to be a first-round draft pick.
The news was expected after Hawkins improved his draft stock with a strong performance in the NCAA tournament. He averaged 16.3 points and shot 50% (21-for-42) from 3-point range while helping lead the Huskies to six straight double-digit wins, including a 76-59 national title clinching victory over San Diego State in Houston.
Back home in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Craig Hawkins cried tears of joy while watching Jordan's big announcement that he's leaving UConn after a superb sophomore season.
This was Craig's plan since Jordan entered the world on April 29, 2002. He brought a basketball for his son to the hospital that day.
"It's a big wow factor," Craig said. "It's like, you know how you can plan for your child to be a doctor, to be anything like that. But for it to come true, for God to be blessing us like this, it's just amazing. It makes me speechless. I cry so much now, it's crazy. Tears of joy."
"... Tears just started rolling down my face after I watched him on Good Morning America and SportsCenter. This was the plan. It's unbelievable that it's coming true."
Hawkins wrote about his appreciation for his family, coaching staff and teammates on his Instagram account.
"First and foremost I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank my family for their continued support and guidance throughout this entire process. To Coach Hurley and the entire UConn staff thank you for believing in my dream and pushing me at times I felt like giving up.
"To my teammates, the bond we share is special and I wouldn't have chosen a better brotherhood to be a part of.
"Finally to all the UConn fans, I appreciate all of your support. This team is special because of each and every one of you! With that being said I am officially declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft."
Hawkins, a 6-foot-5 guard, elevated his game this season, raising his scoring average from 5.8 points as a freshman to 16.2 points. He developed into one of the top 3-point shooters in the country, converting 38.8% from beyond the arc. He earned a spot on the All-Big East first team. He finished with the second most 3-pointers in a single season (109) in program history, ranking only behind Ray Allen's 115.
In the national championship win, Hawkins capped off a stellar career by finishing with 16 points and four rebounds.
"To see your son win a national championship is amazing," Craig said.
Hawkins is the second player during Hurley's five seasons in Storrs to leave school after his sophomore season for the NBA. James Bouknight departed in 2021 and was selected by Charlotte at No. 11 overall.
The Hawkins family has received some feedback from the NBA about Jordan's draft potential.
"Everybody's got a different opinion," Craig said. "Nobody really knows. Getting good feedback, from 10 to 15. Some people say five to 10. Some people say five to 15. So it's different.
"That's all it takes is one. That's all we need is one."
Hawkins will be with his team on Saturday for the national championship victory parade and rally in downtown Hartford. The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at the State Capitol building at the intersection of Trinity Street and Elm Street.
Hawkins, junior Andre Jackson and junior Adama Sanogo will speak during the rally that will be held after the parade on Trumbull Street in front of the XL Center.
