Age

21.2

Height

6'5"

Weight

195

Workload

MIN%

69.5

USG%

22.9

TS%

58.1

Per 70 Possession Stats

PTS

22.5

REB

5.3

AST

1.8

STL

1

BLK

0.7

TOV

1.9

Efficiency

RIM FG%

54.7

MID FG%

31.5

3PT FG%

38.6

FT%

88.3

Jump to full report

Report by: Josh Abercrombie

Jordan Hawkins

Guard UConn

Lights out shooter off screens leading one of the best teams in the country on a dominant tournament run

Age

21.2

Height

6'5"

Weight

195

Per 70 Possession Stats

PTS

22.5

REB

5.3

AST

1.8

STL

1

BLK

0.7

Positions Defended

Offensive Role

 

Defensive Role

   

Meet Jordan Hawkins

One of the catalysts of UConn’s dominant tournament run, Jordan Hawkins is likely already one of the most skilled shooters on the planet. The true sophomore has rightfully been one of UConn’s offensive focal points all season long, as his remarkable ability to shoot when coming off of screens opens up easier offense for all of UConn’s other offensive options. Every team in the NBA covets Hawkins’ off-ball scoring skillset, which will likely make him a first round pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

Offense

Jordan Hawkins may be the single best shooter in the 2023 NBA draft class. For reference, Hawkins is shooting 50% from three in the NCAA tournament at nearly four threes per game. Over the full season, Hawkins is shooting 38.6% from three on 15.4 attempts per 100 possessions, which is a mixture of shooting volume and efficiency that no other Swish Theory top 40 prospects come close to matching. Hawkins is lethal both off the catch and off dribble, as his lightning quick shot prep, versatile shooting footwork, and silky smooth energy transfer allow him to get the ball out in an instant. He can shoot off of the hop, off of a 1-2 step, or off of slide steps when shuffling along the perimeter. His ability to find open space around the three point arc when the defense is special, as his feel for relocation goes well beyond his years. 

Hawkins is likely the best shooter off of screens in this draft class as well, as he is able to combine his sudden and creative movements with his super quick jumper to open up easy looks. As a result of his shooting prowess, Hawkins carries a good amount of gravity in the halfcourt, as off of screens teams feel the need to bring two defenders up high to deter a shot attempt. Hawkins knows how to counter this type of defense, as he has shown comfortability in hitting slipping or rolling screeners against out of position defenders. This is only one element of Hawkins’ connective passing skill set, as he also makes proper swing passes on the perimeter and will flash the occasional interior pass off of a drive. Hawkins will also use eye manipulation and head fakes to open up passes to rollers, which is a microskill that also directly translates to his shooting as well. If a defender is giving an overly ambitious closeout, Hawkins is able to use a shot fake and drive, or he has showcased the ability to sidestep off of the shot fake for a more open look. 

The suddenness and unpredictability of his off ball movements makes him so effective when he is given staggered screens. UConn runs lots of plays giving Hawkins two or three off ball screens, where he is able to improvise and open himself up for open threes or drives to the basket. He is effective at taking the correct angles off of screens, as he can be seen angling himself precisely off of flare screens or “Ricky” actions (where he receives a back screen then a down screen from the same teammate) to buy himself time to get off a clean look. 

Finally, Hawkins’ off ball scoring skill set is amplified by his ability to occasionally run second side actions. Hawkins is able to use ball screens to get into mid-range jump shots, though I would like for him to get to the rim at a higher rate off of these pick and roll reps. He still gets there when he has an open runway to the rim, but I would like for him to improve his rim finishing craft when the paint is not wide open. His handle is currently extremely basic, which is why I would not give him many on-ball projections at the NBA level.

Defense

In a defensive system that is focused on hedging ball screens involving their starting center Adama Sanogo, Jordan Hawkins is tasked with actively helping off of the ball a lot. Hawkins typically is fully aware of his tasks off the ball, whether that means closing out to an open wing shooter on an X out or tagging rolls with Sanogo hedges high. However, in games with increased volume during the regular seasons, Hawkins had moments where he fell asleep on the wheel, though his engagement has been much better during the NCAA tournament. 

When defending at the point of attack, Hawkins is a solid lateral mover and is able to stay in front of average drivers. He is able to use his active hands to get steals and to pester the ball handler, though he does occasionally get a bit too physical and will end up fouling in inopportune times. This same issue comes up when he is contesting players at the rim, as he will often extend his arms at a forward angle instead of staying vertical. In these situations of occasional rim protection, Hawkins is able to use his springy one foot leaping, which allows him to occasionally create highlight plays at the rim. This leaping is most effective when he is slightly trailing a ball handler, as he is able to recover into plays while in the air. 

Hawkins is an average screen navigator, and he typically takes good angles to get through on and off ball screens. When he gets caught he will occasionally struggle to recover, though most times he is solid in this area. While I do not expect Hawkins to be a lockdown defender in the NBA, I am comfortable projecting him as a defensive neutral at the next level.

Conclusion

Overall, Jordan Hawkins possesses a skillset that fits into many different lineups at the NBA level. His effectiveness in scoring off of screens will immediately translate in the pros, which will give him time to develop other areas of his game at the NBA level. I would not be surprised if we look back at the 2023 draft and say that Hawkins was the best shooter in the class, though he will have some elite competition for that title moving forward.

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