The trait: Physical tools and competitive upside

At 6-foot-3, Dayon Hawkins has positional size that stands out for a Class of 2031 guard. My Recent coverage has identified his athleticism, developing skill set, and potential to rise as he continues to grow.

He turned those physical tools into consistent possession-to-possession impact. Using his size effectively, making decisive plays, and bringing the same competitive approach to both ends will help determine how much he can influence games.

Hawkins makes this list because his combination of size and athletic potential gives him an intriguing foundation to build on.

BADGE: SLIPPERY OFF-BALL 🏃

Slippery Off-Ball focuses on navigating traffic when trying to get open away from the ball. It rewards the ability to work through screens and defensive positioning rather than allowing an opponent to stay attached throughout the possession.

At 6-foot-3, Hawkins is a player to evaluate for his movement when he isn’t the primary ball-handler. Reading screens, changing direction and finding space at the right time can help create passing lanes and scoring opportunities.

Boogs Take:

Off-ball movement is an important part of making an offense work. Players who understand how to use screens and relocate at the right moment can create openings without needing to dominate possessions. That awareness can make them useful in different offensive roles.

He was a new prospect on my radar this fall, and I was extremely impressed with what he brought to the floor. His combination of positional size, athleticism, competitive mentality, and continually developing skill set gives him tremendous upside. He has all the tools to make a significant impact this upcoming season and establish himself as one of the biggest risers in the national rankings.

Size That Travels

At 6’3”, Hawkins gives you valuable size in the backcourt and the physical tools to handle different matchups. His versatility makes him a player worth continuing to track as his game develops.