May 9, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sophomore guard Dominique Hawkins will travel to the Far East with Sports Reach May 10-25 to compete in eight games against local clubs.

The Reach USA team will be on a cultural exchange basketball trip in order to learn more about the Far Eastern culture, while sharing its own culture.

“Traveling to the Far East is something I’ve never dreamed of,” Hawkins said. “I’m excited for this experience made possible by Sports Reach. I look forward to immersing myself in the culture and bettering my skills on the court.”

Hawkins played in 33 games for UK’s national runner-up squad. He scored 25 points and hauled in 23 rebounds while dishing out 12 assists in his first season. The 6-foot guard from Richmond, Ky., served as a top defensive performer during UK’s NCAA Tournament run with John Calipari citing his efforts against Michigan’s Nik Stauskas as a key to UK’s win over the Wolverines.

Hawkins is one of several Wildcats who have participated in the cultural exchange during Calipari’s tenure. Other players who have participated include Josh Harrellson, Jon Hood and Eloy Vargas. Harrellson’s trip came in the summer of 2010 and was followed by a breakout senior campaign in which he averaged 7.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 61 percent from the field.

Joining Hawkins on the trip will be players from Illinois, Jacksonville State, Murray State, Southern, TCU, Texas Tech and Troy.

Founded in 1986 by Robby Spear, Sports Reach attempts to reach the world through sports. For more information on Sports Reach, visit sportsreach.org.