AL PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: '23 Guard Will Hawkins
The Rise of Will Hawkins
William Hawkins is a6-foot-3 two-way guard for Harvest, AL, and has been the driving force for the success of 7A’s Sparkman High. Hawkins started his story at this year’s Alabama Preview Camp, making a strong case as to why he should be looked at as a top guard for the ’23 class.
One key skill that stands about Hawkins is his competitive nature on the court; he’s guaranteed to give a coach nonstop energy and hustle.
Hawkins is explosive and is very swift, penetrating into the lane. He has a consistent jump shot and has excellent control with pushing the ball in transition. He is an elite rebounder, and Hawkins constantly puts pressure on the opposing team to box out with his remarkable ability to get second-chance shots.
Defensively he’s very aggressive on the ball and has shown flashes of being a good shot blocker. Hawkins was asked if there was anything that he improved on last year and what can be added to help his game flourish.
“This summer, I mainly improved my confidence, shooting ability, and just being more of a threat on offense overall,” he said. I believe I need to start working on my frame, putting on more mass, and I also need to work on my handle and shot more.”
Hawkins stated that a part of the game that comes easiest to him is transition basketball and defense. Hawkins is a tremendous athlete, and his continued growth on the floor has caught the attention of some solid college programs.
College Interest/Goals
Hawkins stated that the University of North Alabama, Belmont, Appalachian state, and Coastal Alabama South Community College had taken some interest in him so far.
“In a school, I would like to look for a good family-like coaching staff and a school that would get me good exposure and somewhere I can go and play,” he said.
Hawkins has set some concrete goals for himself and Sparkman High. He says he would like to be the first Sparkman team to win a state title. Hawkins would also like to get a college offer and continue to make a name for himself.
Before a game, Hawkins says he listens to Rod Wave and Polo G, and his favorite snack is a pack of Skittles.
“Basketball taught me to stick to the plan and to adapt if needed.”
