Big East Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 4, 2023

Dec 13, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) gets congratulations from head coach Jay Wright and guard Jalen Brunson (1) after leaving the game late in the second half against the Temple Owls at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Temple, 78-57. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

8 of 26

Big East Basketball Connecticut Huskies guard Jordan Hawkins Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Jordan Hawkins

A Top 50 recruit from the Class of 2021, Hawkins put his faith in Dan Hurley and it really paid off for all involved. A 6’5 wing from the famous DeMatha High School in Maryland, Hawkins arrived in Connecticut two seasons ago. There was nothing standing out about his freshman numbers but the impact he made as a sophomore has gone down in history.

That aforementioned freshman season wasn’t bad, but Hawkins was mainly a backup, hitting some outside shots and scoring around 6 points a game. Installed in the starting lineup as a sophomore, he took a major step forward, averaging 16.2 points and hitting 39% of his 3-pointers. Hawkins was a vital piece of Connecticut’s legendary season, helping the Huskies win the national championship just three months ago. He averaged 16 points and hit 50% of his 3-pointers during that six-game Tourney run.

Earning First Team All-Big East honors was already impressive, but Hawkins was also on the All-Tournament team for his incredible play throughout the Huskies’ run. Nobody in Big East Basketball made more 3-pointers than Hawkins and he finished the year among the league’s top scorers and overall offensive weapons. That Connecticut team had plenty of star power, but Hawkins really shined and parlayed that success into a lottery pick selection recently in the NBA Draft.

Home/Big East