UConn’s Jordan Hawkins announces NBA draft decision on ESPN

Hawkins helped lead the Huskies to their fifth national title after averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

UConn sophomore Jordan Hawkins announced Friday on ESPN’s “NBA Today” that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA draft.

Hawkins was named to the All-Big East first team after averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 38.8% shooting from 3-point range. His 109 3-pointers were the second-most in a season by a Huskies player, trailing only Ray Allen’s 115 in the 1995-96 season.

The 6-foot-5 guard helped lead the Huskies to their fifth national title with a sensational run in the NCAA Tournament. He was honored on the All-Tournament team after averaging 16.3 points on 50% shooting from 3-point range in their six games.

He was the third Huskies player to hit at least 20 3s in a tournament run.

Hawkins is widely projected to be a first-round pick. He is regarded as perhaps the best shooter in the draft this year after finishing 12th in the country in 3s. From shooting on the move to coming off screens, Hawkins’ game fits perfectly at the next level.

The 20-year-old has made great strides on the defensive end of the court, which will further add to his draft stock. However, it will be his shooting and movement on offense that figures to be most attractive to teams drafting in the mid-to-late first round.

After a tremendous run in March with the Huskies, Hawkins will be looking to continue his recent string of success in the pre-draft process and onto the next level.

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