After the second day of summer workouts, we caught up with Elijah Hawkins for a brief chat. Hawkins recently joined Texas Tech after stints at Minnesota and Howard University. With 1,077 points and 589 assists in his collegiate career, the Washington, D.C. native brings solid experience to Tech. In his previous season at Minnesota, he boasted averages of 9.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, earning him recognition in the All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention.
When asked about his passion for basketball, Hawkins emphasized his love for winning above all else, highlighting the exhilaration of victory on the court.
Regarding his dream summer music festival lineup, Hawkins named Lil Baby, Rod Wave, and Lil Durk as his top picks.
Proud of his roots in Washington, D.C., Hawkins believes that the competitive spirit ingrained in individuals from his hometown shapes their identities.Reflecting on his playing style, Hawkins sees shades of himself in various players rather than one specific pro.
Recalling a pivotal moment in his youth, Hawkins credits his commitment to daily workouts and basketball camps from the age of 10 or 11 for setting him on the path to collegiate success.Through basketball, Hawkins has learned the value of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of excellence, qualities he extends to all aspects of his life.
Outside of basketball, Hawkins showcases his prowess in the video game realm, particularly in 2K.He draws inspiration from his hardworking mother, who has been his unwavering support system throughout his journey.
Affectionately known as Eslimee among friends, Hawkins has embraced the nickname without knowing its origin.
In terms of TV favorites, Hawkins enjoys “Power Book II: Ghost,” finding its portrayal of urban life intriguing due to its proximity to his own experiences.
In his downtime, Hawkins unwinds with video games, bowling, and spending quality time with friends, keeping his leisure activities simple yet enjoyable.
The unwavering support and inspiration from his family fuel Hawkins’ confidence and drive to continually strive for greatness.