Wednesday marked the final day of the fall signing period for Division I basketball recruits. Over the course of the period scouts have speculated as to whether or not Dayton Dunbar’s 6’7 SF/PF Deontae “Teddy” Hawkins would commit and sign to a school in Novemeber. Hawkins ended that speculation, a little bit to the surprise of most, today when he committed to the Wichita State Shockers out of the Missouri Valley Conference.
In what is quickly becoming a new position in college basketball Hawkins was recruited to play what college coaches are calling the “stretch 4”; meaning that he is like a 4th guard on the court just with size to defend and rebound against opposing big men. That role, and the opportunity to take it over early, was the most important thing in Hawkins recruitment. “I wanted to find somewhere that I can play right away and Wichita State offered me that. Coach said that I have a really good chance to come in and start as a 3/4 my freshman year”, Teddy told Triple Double Prospects.
Hawkins fits that role to perfection as he is a true 6’7, with a near 7’0 wingspan, and has solid athleticism in both running the floor and getting off the ground. Although he is thin he has a great finesse skillset that allows him to score from 15 feet and in but he is even more comfortable playing out on the wing; where is one of the best three point shooters in the state.
After also considering Depaul and Dayton in his final three it became clear this week that Wichita, Kansas (where Teddy has taken an official visit to) is the place that he wants to spend his college years. “It was the best fit for me, and really I would say it’s a perfect fit”, Hawkins said, “They’ve got a great coaching staff and it’s a group of people that I know will help me out and take care of me with whatever I need.”
Playing for a team in Dayton Dunbar that will likely begin the season ranked #1 in Ohio in Division II Hawkins is relieved to have the process come to an end so he can focus in on bringing another State Championship back to Dayton. Hawkins was a starter on Dunbar’s most recent championship team, ’09-’10, when he was a sophomore.
Hawkins marks the third Dayton Dunbar senior to commit to a Division I school. Just like Teddy 6’1 PG Andre Yates has signed his letter of intent, while 6’4 SF Gary Akbar has verbally committed to Cleveland State but will wait until the spring to sign; once he gets his qualifying ACT score back.
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