Jordan Dorrell Hawkins Bio
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a shooting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on April 29, 2002, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Hawkins developed his game in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area before becoming a highly decorated college player at the University of Connecticut. He helped lead the UConn Huskies to the 2023 NCAA national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West Regional during that tournament run. The New Orleans Pelicans selected Hawkins with the fourteenth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, and he has since been working to establish himself as a reliable rotation player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he began developing his basketball skills at a young age. He initially attended Gaithersburg High School in his hometown before transferring to DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, after his sophomore year. DeMatha Catholic is widely recognized as one of the premier high school basketball programs on the East Coast, providing Hawkins with a competitive environment to refine his abilities against top-tier talent.
During his senior season at DeMatha Catholic, Hawkins delivered an impressive performance that earned him the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year award. He averaged 19.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around versatility on both ends of the floor. His standout high school career attracted attention from major college programs across the country, establishing him as one of the most promising prospects in the class of 2021.
Path to College Basketball
Hawkins was rated as a four-star recruit coming out of high school and drew interest from several prestigious college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his basketball career at the University of Connecticut, committing to play for the UConn Huskies over scholarship offers from Louisville, Marquette, Xavier, and Seton Hall. His decision to join UConn proved significant, as the program was building toward its championship resurgence under head coach Dan Hurley.
Hawkins arrived at UConn as part of a recruiting class that would form the core of a national championship team. He transitioned to the college level during the 2021-2022 season, immediately demonstrating the scoring ability and defensive instincts that had made him a highly regarded high school prospect. His trajectory from promising freshman to championship contributor illustrated his dedication to improvement and his capacity to perform on the biggest stages in college basketball.
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins Career
UConn Freshman Season (2021-2022)
Hawkins appeared in 27 games during his freshman season at UConn, adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball while contributing 5.8 points and two rebounds per game. His scoring ability and perimeter shooting began to stand out as he gained experience throughout the season. His performance earned him recognition when he was named to the Big East Conference All-Freshman team at the conclusion of the season, validating his status as one of the top newcomers in the conference.
Unfortunately, Hawkins suffered a concussion near the end of his freshman campaign, which caused him to miss the Huskies’ Big East Tournament games and their NCAA Tournament appearances. The injury cut short what had been a promising first collegiate season and provided motivation for his offseason preparation heading into his sophomore year.
Breakthrough Sophomore Season (2022-2023)
Hawkins entered his sophomore season as the Huskies’ starting shooting guard, assuming a larger role in the team’s offensive scheme. He picked up where he left off despite suffering a second concussion during UConn’s season opener, which forced him to miss two games. He returned to action with a strong performance, scoring 20 points against UNC-Wilmington in his first game back, demonstrating his resilience and competitive fire.
Throughout the regular season, Hawkins elevated his production significantly, averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His improved consistency and leadership were instrumental in the Huskies’ success during Big East play, and his efforts were rewarded with First-team All-Big East honors at the end of the regular season. He emerged as one of the most dangerous scorers in the conference and a key piece of a team with championship aspirations.
During the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Hawkins elevated his game to another level. He delivered exceptional performances in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds, averaging 22 points and four rebounds per game during those contests. His outstanding play earned him the Most Outstanding Player award for the West Regional, highlighting his ability to shine under postseason pressure. In the national championship game against San Diego State, Hawkins scored 16 points as the Huskies secured a commanding 76-59 victory to claim the national title. Following the championship win, he announced his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2023 NBA Draft.
New Orleans Pelicans (2023-Present)
The New Orleans Pelicans selected Jordan Hawkins with the fourteenth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, adding a proven winner and shot-maker to their young core. He joined a Pelicans organization that had shown promise in recent seasons and was looking to build around a talented group of players. His selection reflected the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute at the professional level after his standout college career.
During his rookie season, Hawkins split time between the NBA and the G League, playing for the Birmingham Squadron, New Orleans’ G League affiliate. This development approach allowed him to gain valuable professional experience and refine his game in game situations. He continued to work on adapting to the speed and defensive intensity of the NBA while building chemistry with his teammates.
One of the highlights of Hawkins’ rookie season came on January 13, 2024, when he scored a career-high 34 points to go along with five rebounds in a 118-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This breakout performance demonstrated his ability to heat up and take over games when given the opportunity, providing a glimpse of his potential as an NBA scorer. As he continues his development, Hawkins is focused on earning a consistent role in the Pelicans’ rotation and contributing to the team’s playoff ambitions.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hawkins is primarily known as a shooting guard with excellent perimeter scoring ability. His 6-foot-5 frame and 190-pound build allow him to shoot over smaller defenders while possessing enough athleticism to create his own shot off the dribble. His experience at UConn, particularly during the Huskies’ championship run, provided him with valuable lessons in performing under pressure and making winning plays. He brings a championship mentality and a proven track record of success at every level he has competed at.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hawkins’ career has been marked by several significant milestones, including his Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year award in high school, his Big East Conference accolades at UConn, and his role in leading the Huskies to the 2023 national championship. Being selected fourteenth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft represented the realization of a lifelong dream, and his 34-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks proved he belongs among the league’s promising young players. His connection to fellow basketball player Angel Reese, his cousin who won a national championship with LSU’s women’s team just days before his own championship victory, added an extraordinary dimension to their respective championship celebrations in 2023.
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins Career Highlights
Hawkins has accumulated an impressive array of accomplishments across his basketball career, from his standout high school career through his championship run at UConn and into his early professional career with the New Orleans Pelicans. His ability to perform at the highest levels of competition has been evident throughout his journey.
UConn and College Highlights
At UConn, Hawkins established himself as one of the premier players in the Big East Conference. His sophomore season 2022-2023 campaign was particularly remarkable, as he earned First-team All-Big East honors while helping lead the Huskies to a national championship. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the West Regional during the NCAA Tournament, and he contributed 16 points in the championship game victory over San Diego State. He also earned Big East All-Freshman team recognition during his first season in Storrs. Throughout his two collegiate seasons, Hawkins demonstrated consistent improvement and the ability to elevate his game when it mattered most.
Professional Career Highlights
Hawkins’ professional career is still in its early stages, but he has already recorded significant achievements. His selection as the fourteenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft represented the beginning of his professional journey. His most notable professional performance to date came on January 13, 2024, when he scored a career-high 34 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. This breakout game provided evidence of his potential as a scoring threat in the NBA and gave both himself and the Pelicans organization optimism for his future development.
Jordan Dorrell Hawkins Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Jordan Hawkins comes from a basketball family, with his cousin Angel Reese also achieving significant success in the sport. Angel Reese played college basketball for the LSU Tigers women’s team and became a nationally recognized player. The family connection between the two athletes became particularly notable in 2023 when both won national championships within days of each other, Jordan with UConn and Angel with LSU. Jordan is slightly older than Angel Reese by approximately one week, adding a personal dimension to their shared basketball achievements.
Personal Life
Hawkins continues to pursue his basketball career with the New Orleans Pelicans while maintaining connections to his Maryland roots. His journey from Gaithersburg through DeMatha Catholic to UConn and ultimately the NBA represents a remarkable progression through the ranks of basketball at various levels. His championship experience and proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations continue to serve as foundations for his professional development.
2025 Season Performance Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, Jordan Hawkins is positioned to continue his development with the New Orleans Pelicans organization. Now in his third professional season, he has gained valuable experience through his rookie year and the early portion of his career, including time spent with the Birmingham Squadron in the G League. The Pelicans have been building a competitive roster with aspirations of playoff success, and Hawkins’ skills as a shooter and his championship pedigree make him a valuable potential contributor.
The Pelicans’ backcourt features several talented players, and Hawkins will compete for minutes and a consistent role in the rotation. His ability to space the floor with his shooting and his improved comfort playing at the NBA level could provide him with opportunities to contribute. His performance during the 2024-2025 season will likely focus on establishing greater consistency, continuing to develop his defensive ability, and finding ways to impact winning on a nightly basis.
The foundation Hawkins built at UConn, including his experience in high-pressure championship situations, gives him a mental edge that could prove valuable as he works toward reaching his full potential in the NBA. The Pelicans organization has shown commitment to developing young talent, and Hawkins’ trajectory suggests he has the work ethic and ability to continue improving. As the 2025 season unfolds, he will look to build on his early career highlights and carve out a more prominent role within the team.