Dominique Hawkins is Your Feel Good Story of The Season
Growing up in Kentucky, Dominique Hawkins was born into the realm of the cult that is Kentucky Basketball.
Dominique Hawkins grew up as a Kentucky Basketball fan in Richmond, Kentucky. In the Bluegrass State, basketball runs through our blood. When a Kentucky native makes his way though high school as a standout and commits to play for the premier program in the state of Kentucky, he ultimately becomes a fan favorite.
The nets come down in Nashville. Hawkins on All-Tournament team. pic.twitter.com/lnTJmmCyel
— Rob Bromley (@robbromleywkyt) March 12, 2017
In the case for Dominique Hawkins, his performance in the SEC Tournament is just a reward for his hard work. As a low rated player commits to play for the Kentucky Wildcats, it is expected that the majority of the time, you will be watching the game from the end of the bench. When the case for Hawkins arises, there is no question that he has earned his keep. Among a team full of five star players, Hawkins fought his way onto the floor. The Kentucky Senior just put on a great display in front of the whole world earning him an SEC All-Tournament team selection.
Gotta admit.....I got a lump in my throat when I heard that applause from #BBNashville when @Dhawk_25 was announced on @SEC tourney team
— Ryan Lemond (@ryanlemond) March 12, 2017
Kentucky Born, Kentucky Bred
Kentucky has bourbon, horse racing, and basketball. It’s not necessarily in that order of importance. As young Kentucky Basketball fan, playing for the Cats is a dream we all have. How can a guy that averages 2.1 points and one rebound per game in a career be so crucial to a top rated Kentucky team?
Dominique Hawkins scored the most points off the bench by a UK player in an SEC Tournament finals (14) since Cameron Mills (16) on 3/9/97
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) March 12, 2017
Dominique’s athletic ability allows him to play the most ruthless defense we’ve ever seen. The Senior has earned his respect this season. A lot of folks pointed to Dominique as the glue that held this team together. Anyone can see that the Senior has become one of the most important aspects of this team.
Imagine this: Dominique Hawkins has guarded the best players at Kentucky for the last four seasons. Hawkins was primed for this moment the day he stepped onto campus. With the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Tyler Ulis, Jamal Murray, Malik Monk, and Devin Booker, “Dom” has shaped these players into the great Pros that they will be.
"This is what you want in a student-athlete." - Cal on Dominique Hawkins
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) March 12, 2017
As a Kentucky kid, he doesn’t get as much of the glory as other Calipari stars…until now.
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Dominique will now enter the realm of Kentucky born greats. Rex Chapman, Darius Miller, Wah Wah Jones, Cliff Hagan, Ritchie Farmer and Scott Padgett are just a few of the greats who called the Bluegrass state home.
To Kentucky kids, it just means more. The Big Blue Nation is proud to call Dominique Hawkins one of our own!