Hawk stock rising

[HailUConn]

This is as high as I can see in draft board, Can he play himself to become lottery picks?

My heart wants it to be so bad! And that means he can carry huskies deep into tourney!

 

[Connecticut13]

If he keeps playing the way he has of late, then he might play even himself into the lottery. He has the skills, and he's putting it all together. I'm feeling more optimistic about our future this season knowing that he's blossoming into a legitimate star.

 

[husky429]

This is a tough draft to go in... 2023 is DEEP. I still see him as

#28
#29
#27
#20
#32
#22 (My favorite mock, personally)
#23
#25
#27

I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps drawing fouls and playing well, if he could push his way into the low 20s or teens consistently.

This was the big question on Hawkins per the Athletic: "The big question is whether he can handle the ball and attack closeouts regularly while also making solid reads as a passer off these actions."

I would say he's doing MUCH better attacking closeouts the last few weeks. I don't think his passing is there still... so I would expect a small bump in his stock.

Regardless, unless he totally blows his workouts with NBA teams... he has to go and get his bread.

 

[aburks41]

His shot, especially coming off of screens, is an NBA GM's wet dream

 

[DMIL]

Hawkins has a next level and that is being able to dominate a game by imposing his will. He is not there yet. Brandon Miller for Alabama as a freshman has this in him and Hawkins is a level or so behind, however making up ground. A UCONN parallel would be Caron Butler's sophomore season who damn near got us to the final four eventually losing to Maryland who won it all that year, 2002.

 

[Chin Diesel]

His shot, especially coming off of screens, is an NBA GM's wet dream

The one he had on the break where he caught it on the right wing while getting his feet set- catch, turn, set, shoot all in one fuid motion is a literal money shot.

 

[Palatine]

Most of those mock drafts are based on college performance. NBA teams are more concerned with potential than performance. My guess is the teams have him rated higher. Of course, a good showing during a deep tournament run would not hurt.

Whether he makes the lottery will depend heavily on his individual workout with teams after the season.

 

[McLovin]

I watch a good amount of college basketball… I don’t recall seeing many shooters that also have his size and athleticism. He already has the stroke, and has the tools to develop the rest of his game (handle, NBA level D, rebounding and passing).

Might be my blue tinted glasses, but I think he’ll be a lottery pick after this season (probably in the 9-12 range). Feels like a “sleeper” pick that “shocks” a lot of draft board “experts”.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

If he can get his FG% up to about 45% and keep his 3 pt % around 40-42%, late lottery should be a strong possibility. He may be higher if he flashed playmaking ability.

 

[gars44]

Hawkins has a next level and that is being able to dominate a game by imposing his will. He is not there yet. Brandon Miller for Alabama as a freshman has this in him and Hawkins is a level or so behind, however making up ground. A UCONN parallel would be Caron Butler's sophomore season who damn near got us to the final four eventually losing to Maryland who won it all that year, 2002.

That game was a heartbreaker.

 

[Umami Zen]

Shooting and offense have always been elite.. Rounding out his game with his D/boards/improved passing.. I have seen noticeable growth in his self-belief and leadership skills this year.. More vocal in huddles.. Has to be attractive to NBA GMs along with the rest of the package.. He's peaking at the right time for himself and the team. Can see some epic games coming soon..

 

[auror]

His lack of handle/creation will keep him out of the top 10. If he keeps playing like this he could get to end of lottery or mid 1st, but it's likely he'll have a few worse shooting games and settle in the 15-25 range.

There are a number of taller and 3&D shooters in that range (Jett Howard, Gradey Dick, Maxwell Lewis, Brice Sensabaugh, Kris Murray, Taylor Hendricks).

 

[Chin Diesel]

The one he had on the break where he caught it on the right wing while getting his feet set- catch, turn, set, shoot all in one fuid motion is a literal money shot.

Trying to clip a You Tube video for first time.

✂️ Hawk Catch and Shoot

7 seconds · Clipped by Dave · Original video "UConn Men's Basketball Highlights v. DePaul 01/31/2023" by Storrs South

youtube.com

 

[RichZ]

That game was a heartbreaker.

In more ways than one.
It cost us the final four. AND it cemented Caron not coming back for year three.

 

[Huskybass]

True shot. Plus athleticism. Plays D hard. What's not to love?

 

[REB1094]

16.6 PPG and 4.0 RPG on 42/40/86% shooting splits. On HIGH three point volume. That's great
Take out the Stonehill game and he's at 17.4 PPG on 40.7% 3P.

If he keeps up his season-long production, he'll be a first round pick. If he keeps up his last 5 games production (23.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG on 43% 3P, 92% FT), he's a guaranteed lottery pick. It's a bit unrealistic to expect that, but that's just a testament to how great he's been the last few weeks.

 

[August_West]

Hawkins has a next level and that is being able to dominate a game by imposing his will. He is not there yet. Brandon Miller for Alabama as a freshman has this in him and Hawkins is a level or so behind, however making up ground.

I believe this is all accurate, but the ground he’s making up is incredibly fast. Going to be an interesting close to this season for him. He’s made a quantum leap just since new years, and he was already having a good season.

Also I love Brandon Miller. Great player.

 

[Scrutineer]

His shot, especially coming off of screens, is an NBA GM's wet dream

Oh, come now....................

 

[g_smith]

It’s the RAY ALLEN effect