UConn will play Miami in the Final Four of the men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament in Houston Saturday. Leading the way for the Huskies is 20 year-old shooting guard Jordan Hawkins from Gaithersburg. Hawkins, a sophomore, was named Outstanding Player in the West Region last week after scoring 24 and 20 points respectively in wins over Arkansas and Gonzaga.
Hawkins started his high school career at Gaithersburg High School in 2018. Hawkins’ head coach Jeffrey Holda told myMCM, “When he first walked into that gym (in August 2018), the first thing you noticed is that shot.” Hawkins is recognized as having one of the purest jump shots in college basketball.
The silky smooth jump shot isn’t Hawkins’ only asset. “He’s an absolute dog. When we would lose, he was devastated. He took things personally and was always accountable.”
Hawkins played his junior and senior seasons at DeMatha High School. “When he transferred to DeMatha, that caliber of program made him a really good high school player,” Holda said. “Once he got to UConn, he learned how hard it is and what it takes to compete. He never stopped getting better. He worked so hard. I’m immensely proud. I’m happy for him and his family. It’s surreal to watch.”
As far as watching Hawkins in the Final Four, “I can’t wait to see him play,” Holda said.
Asked if he still gives Hawkins advice, Holda says Hawkins doesn’t need any advice from his high school coach. “He knows exactly what he’s doing.” Plus he gets a lot of advice from his current head coach at UConn, Danny Hurley, and his most impactful coach, Craig Hawkins, his dad.
“He comes from such a good family. They raised him right. He’s a polite, respectful kid,” Holda said. “We will remember him forever.”
The UConn-Miami game is scheduled to tip off at 8:49 pm Saturday on CBS. Monday night’s national championship game will pit the winner of UConn-Miami vs the winner of Saturday’s first game, FAU vs San Diego State.
(Photo by Phil Fabrizio)
