Recruit shows early flair

In no way does Justin Hawkins regret announcing his college decision early. He's not a big fan of the hassles that go along with recruiting.

Hawkins, a 6-foot-3-inch guard from Woodland Hills (Calif.) Taft High School, made his junior year less stressful by committing in September to play basketball at UNLV.

Hawkins had his eyes fixed on the Rebels, and, unlike some prep prospects, he had no desire to be the object of a popularity contest.

"I'm missing out on a lot of phone calls, a whole bunch of letters and a whole bunch of college coaches pulling me out of class during the school day," Hawkins said sarcastically. "I could have waited, but I like UNLV the best.

"They showed that they really wanted me and they needed me for their program."

Hawkins and Findlay College Prep forward Carlos Lopez are the first members of Rebels coach Lon Kruger's 2009 recruiting class.

Kruger was watching Saturday morning as Hawkins played for the Compton Magic in the Las Vegas Spring Showcase at Spring Valley High School. The game tipped just after 9 a.m., which was too early for Hawkins and most of the players on the floor.

"Everybody was tired," said Hawkins, who arrived in Las Vegas at 1 a.m. Saturday after his flight from Los Angeles was delayed.

He said he was playing on five hours' sleep, and it showed at times.

Hawkins scored 12 points as the Magic coasted past Idaho Select 79-64 in a first-round game played at a leisurely pace. Hawkins said it was "nowhere near" his best effort.

"I missed too many easy layups, and my jumper wasn't really falling," Hawkins said. "It's kind of hard getting up for these games early in the morning. Plus, the competition is not all that good."

Four hours later, the Magic took the court again, and Hawkins turned in a more impressive performance in a 78-52 victory over West Side Hoops (Wash.).

Hawkins scored 14 points but suffered a minor left knee injury on a collision in the lane, and he left the game with six minutes remaining.

In both games, Hawkins displayed a smooth shooting stroke, above-average ball-handling and aggressive defensive instincts. He was more efficient than flashy.

"Justin is a great defensive player. His offensive skills have gotten better, because that was his weak point growing up," Magic coach Brian Beard said. "He's a team player, and he's a great hustler.

"You're not going to find a better, tougher defender. And he's a great kid who won't give you any back talk."

Hawkins committed to UNLV and expected other schools to back off. But he said Beard and his coach at Taft still are hearing from coaches in major conferences, including the Pac-10.

"I guess that's a new era now. When kids commit, the other schools tend to jump on board because they feel like they missed out on something," Beard said. "There is still some interest. They're still recruiting him. But I think UNLV is a great fit for Justin."

Hawkins played an off guard spot while Xavier Thames, from Pleasant Grove High near Sacramento, Calif., ran the point for the Magic.

Beard said UNLV, Washington, Washington State, Texas-El Paso and a few other schools are recruiting Thames.

Hawkins has been friends since childhood with Oscar Bellfield, a senior point guard from Westchester High in Los Angeles. Bellfield signed with the Rebels this month, and Hawkins can sign in November.

"I've known Oscar my whole life. He's like family. I consider him my cousin," Hawkins said. "I'm happy that we're going to be playing together in college."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.