Hawkins studies basketball abroad

Tyler Hawkins traveled to Europe alone. He returned with a lifetime of memories.

Hawkins, a 2009 graduate of Parrott Academy and Cove City resident, recently represented the U.S. in the United World Games in Austria. He was one of nine American basketball players competing on the 18-and-under team, which went undefeated and brought home gold.

 "It was great," Hawkins said. "We all expected to win. We all had the same goal. Winning it with a bunch of guys I've never played with before and coming together as a group, it was great."

Hawkins left for Europe on June 14 and returned home on Tuesday. The forward played with three other recent college graduates and five rising seniors in high school.

 "The chemistry on the team was surprisingly, really good," Hawkins said. "We played as a team and we all got along."

Hawkins, who will play basketball at Montreat College, said the competition prepared him for the next level.

The American team was coached by Aquinas College coach Dave Hammer.

"Having a college coach there gave me a real taste of what that will be like," Hawkins said. "Playing with other guys that are going to play at the college level, it showed me things I need to work on and things I can take with me to college."

Hawkins was recommended to the United World Games by the Methodist University coaching staff, which recruited Hawkins during his time at Parrott. While overseas Hawkins had time to tour Germany and Austria.

"It was definitely a culture-shock," Hawkins said. "I didn't know any of the guys on the team, so I enjoyed meeting new people and all together it was a great experience."

Hawkins averaged 13.1 points and six rebounds a game during his senior season at Parrott. He will leave for Montreat on July 14.

Montreat is an NAIA program out of the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

He officially signed to play at Montreat in early June. The Cavaliers were 12-19 last season.

"It's a great school and it's got a good basketball program," Hawkins said. "I'm looking forward to playing there."

Adam Thompson can be reached at (252) 635-5670 or at athompson@freedomenc.com.