Player Spotlight: Devin Lawrence (2018)
If you lost in the state semifinals just four months ago, what would you say you needed for next season?
Hawthorne senior guard Devin Lawrence already knows what the Hornets need to level up.
“Heart,” Lawrence said immediately. “We just have to want it more. We have to feel the rage of last year. We have to go back at it, and start from the bottom.”
Lawrence is aware that the team lacks in size. But with a core that went 24-6 last year, the talent is still present—especially within himself.
He’s a floor general. Someone that’s going to be an anchor for your team in its tightest moments. Lawrence thrives with the ball in his hand, in-transition. He knows how to attack the basket with control, or kick it out to the open outside shooter. His handles are pretty well-developed.
Defense is a growing area of his game. When asked what the biggest goal of the summer is, Lawrence said he wants to do everything possible to finish at the rim more consistently and stay in front of his man on D. That takes some visits to the gym.
“(I’m focused on the) weight room and conditioning,” Lawrence said. “I already have the hustle. It’s just about getting stronger.”
Some of the hard work has already paid off. In a recent Gainesville summer league game, Lawrence took a tough charge from Eastside senior wing Jimmy Johnson that sent him flying. But, he ate it.
“I just wanted to give the body up for the team, then pop back up like nothing happened,” Lawrence said.
On offense, he can hit the midrange jumper, but the sharpest tool in the arsenal lies within his stop-on-a-dime floater around the elbow. Almost, unguardable—even at 5’10”.
Lawrence said he’s aiming to be more of a vocal leader who can set the tone for everyone around him. That’s going to come with time, patience and a continuous development of trust.
At the moment, he’s leading by example. Working on his game, working on his strength, and growing his already monstrous calves to be a better leaper come November.
Although, it’s no secret where those come from.
“It just runs in the family,” Lawrence with a laugh.