Hawkins’ Recruitment Picks Up After Peach Jam

Deontae Hawkins-^'7 PF

The Nike Peach Jam is one of the best AAU tournaments of the season in terms of both competition and exposure.  For Dayton Dunbar’s Deontae “Teddy” Hawkins, a 6’7 power forward from Dayton, the Peach Jam was a coming out party of sorts, as his standout performance garnered him not only new interest, but actual offers from several high major programs.  To date, according to Hawkins, he has received offers from a host of programs including: Georgia, Tennessee, Cincinnati, Alabama, Auburn, Miami (FL), Ball State, Wichita State, Oakland, and Ohio University.  As evidence that his play at the Peach Jam did not go unnoticed, many of the above schools offered shortly after the Peach Jam concluded (Dayton, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama).  In addition to his offers, Hawkins has received interest from Wake Forrest, Virginia Tech, Florida State and West Virginia.

When asked what he prefers in a school, Hawkins mentioned “coaching staff, atmosphere and a coach who is going to push me to be better.”  From my conversation with Hawkins, it would appear he prefers to stay close to home, so "my family can see me play.” However; Hawkins left open the option of going to any program  where he can "reach my full potential.” So far, Wichita State, Dayton and Georgia are the schools recruiting Hawkins the hardest. Hawkins has already taken unofficial visits to Ball State and Dayton, and although he plans visits to Wake Forrest, Georgia and Auburn as soon as possible, no formal schedule has been set at this point.

In terms of the upcoming high school season, Hawkins believes his Dunbar team is a state championship caliber team with the transfer of Andre Yates. “I expect a lot of success with the transfer of Andre Yates. He can get the ball to me and (Gary) Akbar, and I think we can reach our goal of a state championship,” says Hawkins. So far this summer, Hawkins has enjoyed his run with All-Ohio Red, and plans to finish July Strong. “I plan to play my hardest during my last tournaments, have fun, and hopefully pick up more offers,” said Hawkins.  Hawkins’ summer coach, Quinton Rogers, thinks Hawkins is “tough minded, a good rebounder and a good jumper shooter.” Also, Rogers beleives Hawkins "needs to get stronger and work on ball handling in order to make the transition to the 3.” Look for Hawkins to finish July strong as he heads into the AAU Super Showcase and the AAU Nationals.