May 29, 2014

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sophomore guard Dominique Hawkins concluded his trip to the Far East with Sports Reach and has returned to the United States. Hawkins joined several other collegiate players and participated in the cultural exchange that also included playing in nine games.

Hawkins averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in the nine contests. The Richmond, Ky., native topped double-figures in three games including a break-out 27-point effort in a win over Lithuania. In that contest, Hawkins was 10-of-15 from the field and connected on both of his attempts from long range.

In a game against the Lithuania All-Stars, Hawkins hauled in 11 rebounds and dished out five assists while contributing six points. He concluded the trip with back-to-back double-figure scoring efforts with tallies of 11 against Athletas Lithuania and 14 against Atletis Lithuania.

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 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 were 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.