2022 Berkeley Prep F CJ Hawkins talks freshman year, E1T1 and more
Tampa Bay has some really good young talent and 2022 forward CJ Hawkins is in that conversation. The 6’6″, 205-pounder is built like a tight end. For Berkeley Prep (19-9), Hawkins emerged early in the season and didn’t look back.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTampa Bay has some really good young talent and 2022 forward CJ Hawkins is in that conversation.
The 6’6″, 205-pounder is built like a tight end. For Berkeley Prep (19-9), Hawkins emerged early in the season and didn’t look back. At the ARS/Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest at Berkeley Prep in early February, Hawkins dropped 16 points in a tough two-point loss to Huntington Prep. It was clear then that the Buccaneers had a true prospect to develop.
“My freshman season at Berkeley Prep was definitely a learning year,” Hawkins told Prep Hoops. “I picked up so much from coach (Renaldo) Garcia on how to play in general. I saw the most growth in my IQ and decision making. The Hoopfest just showed me that I was more than capable to compete against elite competition.”
No offers have come yet for Hawkins, but he’s drawn interest from USF, Eastern Michigan, Northern Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, UCF and Virginia Tech.
This summer, he’s spending his first year with E1T1.
“This is my first year with E1T1,” Hawkins said. “Playing with them has given me the opportunity to play against top players and develop my leadership skills.”
In terms of his top skills, he pointed to his versatility, how hard he plays and the work he puts into his game. He says he’s working on his jumper and handle the most right now.
Hawkins trains with Process Basketball’s Chris Gray and Akii Dean. He says the duo have helped improve and perfect his skills.
A brute on the boards, Hawkins has a nice mid-range shot and he’s able to use his strength to weave in for buckets. He’s working on his range and his ballhandling, two attributes that will go a long way in his development. He doesn’t rely on his size or athleticism and that is a good thing moving forward. Hawkins’ arrow is pointing up fast.
Everyday is another opportunity to reach that goal‼️ pic.twitter.com/yQHtF0n5Qf
— CJ Hawkins (@IHOOPCJ) May 19, 2019