(Maryville, MO) Northwest Missouri State’s Ryan Hawkins made big news on Monday with the announcement that he is entering the transfer portal. The Atlantic native will be exploring options for his final season of basketball eligibility.
During the 2020-21 season Hawkins averaged a team best 22.6 points per game for the Division II National Champion Bearcats. He also led the team in rebounding at 8.8 per game along with shooting 54% from the field and 46% from 3-point range.
Hawkins tells KSOM/KS95.7 Sports, “I started thinking about it after the national championship game. I’ve had a great experience at Northwest. Probably the best college experience anyone could ask for and that’s presented an opportunity to maybe move on. I thought why not? I’ll regret it in ten years if I don’t take this opportunity.”
He admits he wants to stay close to home, “A place that feels like home. That’s the biggest thing.” He adds, “Location will be important so family and friends can still come support.”
There’s no doubt he’ll cherish the memories he made as a Bearcat. He began considering his future on the way home from the Elite 8 in Evansville. “My college experience couldn’t get any better than it was at that moment.” He says, “As far as Maryville is concerned it’s shown me nothing but love for the last five years. I’ve been very blessed to have been a part of this community and this school. I felt like after that game on the bus ride home I started realizing this is kind of the end.”
Plenty of Division I suitors have come calling. He admits he’s known in the back of his mind that he and his teammates were capable of playing at that level and succeeding in the past, but now is the right time to explore it. “We’ve stayed and stuck around because of what we had building there. This is my last year to go and make new memories and challenge myself. I felt like it was now or never in that regard. I’m looking forward to the new challenges that will be presented. I feel like I’ll grow a lot as a player and a person.” Over 30 programs had reached out as of 2:00 Monday afternoon.
Coaches have been supportive of the desire Hawkins has to move on, “The conversation this morning, it was emotional. You are leaving something that you feel like you are a big part of. The coaches have been nothing but supportive. Obviously they want me stay a little bit, but they also want to me go on and succeed elsewhere. I can’t thank the coaching staff here enough for that and the players too. They all took the news very well. A lot better than I thought they were going to take it so that was very encouraging for me.”
Hawkins might take his time before announcing his next destination. “Whenever I feel comfortable with it. I’m not in any hurry. I want to make sure it’s the right fit for me. There are definitely a couple of very interesting options out there.”
Hawkins broke Northwest’s career rebounding record last season. He ranks 2nd in Bearcat history in scoring, steals, and 3-pointers made.
