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Scout Report
You step into the gym at St. Thomas More, and the first thing that hits you is the sheer length on the court. Among that impressive group, DJ Hawkins immediately catches the eye. He's a long, fluid wing whose movements suggest a much older player, already impacting the game in ways that belie his 2027 classification. The physical tools are absolutely there for him to be a major problem for opponents for years to come.
Background
Hawkins hails from Oakdale, Connecticut, and has been immersed in a high-level basketball environment at St. Thomas More, a program known for developing high-major talent. He's not just playing alongside other promising prospects; he's competing daily with nationally ranked teammates like London Jemison, Patrick Otey, and Greyson Pierce. This competitive ecosystem means Hawkins is constantly challenged, forcing him to adapt and refine his game against top-tier competition every day. That kind of crucible experience accelerates development faster than almost anything else.
Playing Style
Hawkins operates primarily as a small forward, utilizing his 6-7 frame to influence both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s comfortable catching on the wing, making decisive drives to the basket where his length helps him finish over smaller defenders. He runs the floor with purpose in transition, often beating bigger forwards down court to create easy scoring opportunities. His decision-making with the ball is solid for his age, usually making the simple, effective play rather than forcing the issue. Defensively, he shows active hands and good lateral quickness, allowing him to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. He brings a high motor to every possession, which coaches love.
Strengths
His physical gifts are a clear advantage; the combination of height and wingspan for a wing is exceptional in his class. He’s already a very good rebounder from the wing, often snatching boards in traffic and quickly initiating the break. Hawkins demonstrates a developing mid-range game, showing flashes of a pull-up jumper that could become a reliable weapon. Coaches will appreciate his defensive versatility, as he can switch onto guards for short stretches and contest shots effectively against bigger forwards. His unselfishness and willingness to make the extra pass also stand out.
Areas to Watch
To reach his full potential, Hawkins will need to consistently extend his shooting range beyond the arc. Developing a more reliable three-point shot will force defenders to guard him tighter, opening up his driving lanes even further. Improving his handle against pressure is another key area; he can sometimes be a bit loose with the ball when facing aggressive on-ball defenders. Adding strength to his frame will help him finish through contact more effectively and hold his ground defensively against stronger opponents.
Player Comparison
Hawkins shares some stylistic similarities with a younger Harrison Barnes during his college years at North Carolina. Both possess excellent size and length for the small forward position, with a smooth, efficient offensive game that isn't overly flashy but gets the job done. They both show good defensive potential, capable of guarding multiple positions, and a knack for timely rebounding. Hawkins projects to be that kind of versatile, impactful wing who can score within the flow of the offense and contribute defensively.
Recruitment
Currently ranked as the #95 prospect in the 2027 class, DJ Hawkins is already on the radar for several high-major programs. He holds Division I offers from Syracuse, West Virginia, and Saint Louis, which is a strong start for such a young player. His recruitment is still in its early stages, with many more schools likely to enter the picture as he continues to develop over the next few years. Expect more regional and national programs to get involved, with a commitment likely still a couple of years away. He's trending towards being a highly sought-after high-major wing.
Projection
Hawkins has the potential to develop into a valuable starter at the high-major Division I level. He projects as a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions, rebound effectively, and provide consistent offensive output without dominating the ball. His potential professional trajectory hinges on the development of his perimeter shooting and overall offensive polish, but a career as a valuable role player in the G-League or overseas is certainly within his range of outcomes.
Updated Aug 18, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Offers
3
Syracuse
West Virginia
Saint LouisOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.