After winning Male Athlete of the Year in the 2012-13 school year, Hawkins once again returns, this time as the Male Athlete of the Quarter. Though he has not had nearly the same year as in his 2012-13 season, Hawkins has much to be happy about, including recently earning a spot on the All-Big West second team.
With his 18.0 points per game average, Hawkins is once again leading the team in scoring. His 4.5 rebounds per game is third on the team, which is impressive considering he is a 6’3” guard.
Despite having a down year, Hawkins still scored at an elite level. His scoring average was good enough for second in the Big West, and many teams have devised defenses in order to stop his scoring. However, these defenses have not always worked as evidenced by Hawkins’ 29-point outburst against Hawai’i this season.
But possibly more impressive is that Hawkins has carried the Aggies on his back. With the season-ending injury to junior forward J.T. Adenrele, the redshirting of senior forward Josh Ritchart and the inexperience of the new role players such as freshman Georgi Funtarov, Hawkins has really been the player carrying the majority of the scoring burden for the Aggies.
Thus, when Hawkins broke the 1,000 career point mark earlier in the season against Cal State Northridge, it was a sight to behold. In only his second season playing for the Aggies, Hawkins joined 19 other Aggies as the only players to reach this mark.
“It is an honor to reach this milestone, but I must admit that I was unaware of my situation entering this game,” Hawkins said after the game. “All credit goes to my teammates, it is their aggressive play that creates a lot of open looks for everyone on the court.”
Hawkins’ willingness to thank his teammates and focus on the team’s goals rather than his own personal accolades was one of the bright spots in this otherwise difficult season for the Aggies.
The Aggies have come as far as they have this season due to the grit and determination of Hawkins. His dedication to the team, despite the tough losses this season, is why Hawkins is the Male Athlete of the Quarter.
