What Can Miami Fans Expect From UConn's Jordan Hawkins?

As Miami has progressed through the NCAA Tournament, they've come across a variety of talented players who have tried to end their run. With their Final Four matchup set against UConn this Saturday night in Houston, fans will be introduced to one of the best two-way guards in the country.

Introducing Jordan Hawkins, the sophomore guard who's stepped up this season and earned himself first-round buzz for the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.

Despite being one of the streakiest shooters in the country, Hawkins has been the best shooter from deep this tournament (his 16 three-pointers rank first). Additionally, his elite defensive ability helped hold Gonzaga to a season-low point total.

Jordan Hawkins helps propel UConn to the Final Four with an extraordinary display of shot-making running off screens, ducking behind handoffs, sidestep 3s and transition spot-ups. 6/10 for 3 and 20 points. Quickest release in America? pic.twitter.com/WTAfMb4cR4
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 26, 2023

Hawkins is more than just a talented shooter and defender, and his scouting report can be found below:

Strengths

While Hawkins is still a streaky shooter, his ability to make shots from behind the arc in a variety of ways makes him such a hard player to guard. Hawkins excels in the catch-and-shoot coming off screens, as being able to knock down moving shots puts him in elite company.

Physically gifted athlete that is able to finish in a multitude of ways at the rim. Has the power and vertical leap to posterize whoever may be in the paint. Athleticism also helps him on defense, being able to jump into lanes for steals.

Defense-wise, Hawkins does not give up and poses as a threat to force turnovers on the drive. Definitely the kind of player who can guard all across the wing positions.

Weaknesses

Even though Hawkins has seen massive improvements to his offensive game, he has had a handful of moments this season where he's played his team out of games. Whether it be instances like his seven turnovers vs. St. Johns or shooting 2-11 against Marquette, there have been times this season where Hawkins can be erratic in his play style. In addition, his home vs. away splits are drastic, as Hawkins shot 36.4% from the field on the road this season while averaging 14.6 points per game.

Has flashes of playmaking abilities, but far from a staple in his game (poor assist/turnover ratio). Much rather a shoot-first attitude.

Despite the highlights of finishes, isn't efficient at all from inside the three-point line (44.3% on 2PT FGs). Can be a non-factor offensively if the three isn't falling.

Player Comparison

In terms of the players that Hawkins resembles the most in his game, J.R. Smith and Bennedict Mathurin are two players who's all-around games' share the most similarities.

Miami has done well this tournament in holding opposing guards to low shooting percentages, but Hawkins is a shooting threat the Hurricanes have yet to see this tournament.

Miami will likely throw Jordan Miller at him defensively, and rotate in Bensley Joseph when he's in. If Miami can force Hawkins to play inside the arc, that'll disrupt UConn's spacing and make it harder on Adama Sanogo to make his impact in the paint.

The Hurricanes tips off against the Huskies at 8:49 PM EST on CBS following the conclusion of Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State at NRG Stadium in Houston.

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