(Omaha) Ryan Hawkins will play his final year of college basketball at Creighton. The Northwest Missouri State grad transfer will be eligible for the Bluejays immediately.
Hawkins tells KSOM/KS95.7 Sports he’s excited to play in a conference like the Big East. “Just because it was so close to home and they’ve got such a good tradition over there. They just went to the Sweet 16. The experience will be a lot different. It’ll be a challenging time for me that’s for sure and I can’t wait to grow as a person and as an athlete.”
Coach Greg McDermott’s interest was something Hawkins couldn’t say no to. “He told me straight up it’s going to be a challenge for you and you’re going to have to bust your butt, but I think we are both excited for the opportunity.”
The former MIAA Defensive Player of the Year describes the past week as a whirlwind. “I’ve never been on my phone this much. It feels like every day someone is calling and wanting to take five minutes of your time. You have to hear them out and get good at saying ‘thanks, but no thanks.’ It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of support from my teammates at Northwest and community members back home. I’m just very thankful that I did have opportunities and different options at the next level for me.”
Hawkins averaged 22.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for the Division II National Champion Bearcats last season. He is Northwest’s all-time leading rebounder while ranking second in team history in scoring, steals, and 3-pointers made.
