Jordan Hawkins' March Madness Dominance
Jordan Hawkins is heading to the Big Easy to start the next chapter of his career. Before he does, it's important to acknowledge his outstanding performance in March Madness last year.
Hawkins is a "young man with a big time basketball background playing at DeMatha [Catholic High School]," Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon told the media in a post-draft interview. "And then a couple years of UConn winning the championship and the jump from his freshman to sophomore year. Not only in terms of the way he played, but his production, and efficiency on the court, with I think going from five or six points [per game] to 16 a game. Then winning a national championship was very attractive. I think it'd be a great fit here."
The talented shooting guard for the UConn Huskies displayed his athleticism on the national stage and led his team to the top of the mountain. Hawkins continuously proved himself as a threat from range and quickly became one of the most elite shooters in college basketball.
Jordan Hawkins - National Championship Game
Hawkins' ability to create space off screens and put up consistent shots when contested were tremendous contributing factors in UConn's National Championship season.
Take a look at the Huskies' incredible championship run, discovering Jordan Hawkins' impact on leading them to their fifth NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship.
First Round vs. Iona
In UConn's first-round matchup against Iona, it became evident that stopping Hawkins' sharpshooting ability from beyond the arc would be troublesome for the opposition.
With the Huskies trailing by two to open the second half, Hawkins maneuvered off a screen to sink a deep three-pointer – while also being fouled in the process.
Hawkins finished the game with 13 points, four rebounds, and one assist in an 87-63 win over the Gaels to open the NCAA Tournament.
Second Round vs. Saint Mary's
The Huskies advanced in the bracket to face a gritty Saint Mary's team in the second round of March Madness. Once again, Hawkins displayed his ability to catch and shoot consistently.
Saint Mary's defenders attempted to slow down Hawkins, but he continued to nail contested three-pointers and also performed well in transition. In the 70-55 win, Hawkins went 4-of-6 from the field for 12 points and finished the game 4-of-5 from the charity stripe.
Sweet 16 vs. Arkansas
Against Arkansas in the Sweet 16, Hawkins proved he is not just a threat from three-point range. He used his athleticism and quickness to move past the Razorback defenders and drive into the paint multiple times throughout the game.
Once again, Hawkins dominated the opposition, and his shot opportunities consistently came to him against Arkansas. No matter how many times the Razorbacks tried to slow Hawkins down, he could not be stopped from range. Hawkins finished 9-of-9 from the free throw line – recording 24 points, three assists, and two rebounds in the 88-65 win over Arkansas.
Elite Eight vs. Gonzaga
In the matchup against Gonzaga, Hawkins made it evident that he was ready for the biggest stage. His court vision and basketball IQ were fully displayed in his second 20-point game of the NCAA Tournament. Hawkins also was within inches
of making the SportsCenter Top-10 with a nasty posterizing dunk on a Gonzaga defender, he quickly moved over to the corner to easily drain a three-point shot.
Hawkins finished with 20 points, one assist, and six rebounds in 33 minutes on the court. UConn dominated a very talented Gonzaga squad 82-54 and advanced to the Final Four, primarily due to one the elite play from one of the best shooting guards in the country.
Final Four Game vs. Miami
Hawkins used his quickness to dominate Miami off pick-and-rolls and ball screens. Like the other teams the Huskies dominated, the Hurricanes found it challenging to slow down Hawkins.
Although it was not Hawkins' best game statistically, he still shined against another talented defense on the court. Hawkins finished the game with 13 points, one assist, and three rebounds in the 72-59 victory to send the Huskies to the National Championship against the Aztecs.
Apr 3, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Jordan Hawkins (24) celebrates with cutting the net after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs in the national championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
National Championship Game vs. San Diego State
To close out his collegiate career, Hawkins brought the National Championship home to UConn for the fifth time in program history. He performed outstandingly against San Diego State and proved his pro-level abilities for the world to see.
Hawkins finished the game 5-of-9 from the field for 16 points while also grabbing four rebounds in the 76-59 victory over the Aztecs. His performances throughout the NCAA Tournament proved that Hawkins has the potential to become a star at the next level.
