The Unstoppable Shooting Guard: Hersey Hawkins
A Basketball Legacy Born
Hersey Hawkins, known for his prowess on the court as "The Big Kiss," is an American retired professional basketball player who made a lasting impact on the National Basketball Association (NBA). With a remarkable 12-year career, Hawkins played for four teams, solidifying his reputation as a formidable shooting guard.
College Career: A Scoring Phenom
Before entering the NBA, Hawkins attended Bradley University, where he spent four seasons as the starting shooting guard, starting all 125 games the Braves played. His phenomenal scoring ability earned him a spot among the top scorers in NCAA Division I history, finishing with 3,008 points. During his senior year, Hawkins averaged an impressive 36.3 points per game, following up on his previous season's fifth-place finish in NCAA Division I scoring with 27.2 points per game.
Olympic Dreams
In 1988, Hawkins was selected to represent the United States in the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, as a member of the last collegiate USA men's national basketball team. Although the team won the bronze medal, Hawkins was sidelined due to an injury, depriving the U.S. team of his valuable outside shooting and scoring ability.
NBA Career: A Star is Born
The Los Angeles Clippers drafted Hawkins sixth overall in the 1988 NBA draft, but his rights were immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for the draft rights to Charles Smith. On the 76ers, Hawkins emerged as the second scoring option after
Charles Barkley, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team Honors in 1989. He continued to impress, averaging 22.1 points in 1991 and appearing in the NBA All-Star Game. Hawkins' incredible skills didn't go unnoticed, as he recorded a career-high 43 points in a game against the Orlando Magic and notched nine steals in a game against the Boston Celtics.
A New Chapter with the Charlotte Hornets
In 1993, Hawkins was traded to the Charlotte Hornets for
Dana Barros,
Sidney Green, and draft picks. This new chapter in his career saw Hawkins continue to thrive, solidifying his position as a top-notch shooting guard in the NBA.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout his remarkable career, Hawkins left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. His impressive scoring ability, tireless work ethic, and dedication to the sport have inspired generations of players. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Hawkins remains among the top scorers in NCAA Division I history, and his achievements continue to be celebrated by basketball enthusiasts around the world.
FAQ
What was Hersey Hawkins NBA career like?
Hersey Hawkins played 13 seasons in the NBA, averaging 14.2 points per game and shooting 46.6% from the field. He played for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and Seattle SuperSonics.
What awards did Hersey Hawkins win in college?
Hersey Hawkins won several awards in college, including the 1988 Eastman Award, given to the top shooter in NCAA Division I basketball.
What is Hersey Hawkins coaching experience?
Hersey Hawkins has coached at the high school and college levels, including stints as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the University of Kansas.
What is Hersey Hawkins involvement in basketball outreach programs?
Hersey Hawkins has been involved in several basketball outreach programs, including the NBAs Basketball Without Borders program, which promotes education and healthy lifestyles through basketball.
What is Hersey Hawkins perspective on the importance of education?
Hersey Hawkins has spoken about the importance of education in achieving success, both on and off the court, and has worked to promote educational opportunities for young people through his outreach work.
