UNLV commit Hawkins locks down local standouts, pushes Magic into adidas semis

By Ryan Greene

Friday, July 25, 2008 | 11:58 p.m.

When Justin Hawkins gave his verbal pledge to Lon Kruger and UNLV last fall, he'll admit, he didn't really know a whole ton about the program's history outside of the obvious basics.

Then came the research. And with that, further affirmation that he'd made the right decision.

"I know back from '85 to '91, I believe, it was real great, so now we're getting back to it," Hawkins said. "I knew about the National Championship team, but I didn't know how good they were defensively. I knew Stacey Augmon could play defense, but I didn't know the whole starting five plus people coming off the bench were holding people to such low shooting percentages. That really attracted me, also, because that's something they're getting back to, also.

"I think we'll be able to play for a National Championship either my freshman or sophomore year, so that's what attracts me right there."

Hawkins showed off some of that defensive prowess he strives for Saturday night, as he helped advance the Compton Magic to the semifinals of the adidas Super 64 at Rancho High. The final piece of the team's Friday run came in the form of a 68-60 victory over the Las Vegas Prospect, a roster featuring local blue-chippers/UNLV targets Elijah Johnson (Cheyenne HS) and Anthony Marshall (Mojave HS).

The Magic will face the Atlanta Celtics in the first of two semifinals at Rancho at 1 p.m. The Celtics feature one of the top big men in the class of 2009 in Derrick Favors.

Johnson tried to fight through an ankle injury he sustained a few hours earlier landing from a dunk in the Prospects' 89-76 win against Kansas City Pump-N-Run. He was held to just five second-half points after scoring 22 in the previous contest. Marshall, who had been hot so far this week, struggled and looked to get a bit fatigued later on.

But any hopes of a comeback by the Prospects fueled by their high-powered duel were squelched by Hawkins. Throughout the second half, he muscled up on Johnson and Marshall right in front of a row of college coaches lined against the wall, including Rebels assistant Steve Henson.

"That's what I'm known for -- playing defense," said Hawkins, who also scored 12 points in the win. "But when it comes to Elijah and Anthony, I know those are the other two guards they're looking at, so I wanted to make sure they know I'm also as good as them. So I kind of took it personal, but not so personal in a way."

Hawkins also admitted to playing a stress-free brand of hoops this week. As opposed to the majority of seniors-to-be in Las Vegas this week, he's not playing with the pressure of auditioning for head coaches. He believes that will carry over into his senior season at Taft High.

"I'll be a lot more focused in school," Hawkins said. "I can concentrate on my books more, and then when I go work out, I don't have to think 'Oh, I have another coach coming to look at me.' I can just work out and get ready for UNLV."

adidas Super 64 Saturday schedule

Semifinal at Rancho High main gym (1:00 p.m.) - Atlanta Celtics vs. Compton Magic

Semifinal at Rancho High aux. gym (1:00 p.m.) - Pump-N-Run Elite vs. Grassroots Canada Elite

Championship at Rancho High main gym (6:20 p.m.)

Reebok Summer Championships Saturday schedule

Quarterfinal at Foothill High main gym (9:00 a.m.) - Houston Elite vs. Upstate Basketball Club I

Quarterfinal at Foothill High main gym (10:15 a.m.) - World Wide Orange vs. D-One Sports

Quarterfinal at Foothill High main gym (11:30 a.m.) - DC Triple Threat vs. Arizona Metro Elite

Quarterfinal at Foothill High main gym (12:45 p.m.) - Northwest Panthers vs. Team Breakdown

Semifinal at Foothill High main gym (2:00 p.m.)

Semifinal at Foothill High main gym (3:15 p.m.)

Championship at Foothill High main gym (6:00 p.m.)

Main Event Saturday schedule

Semifinal at Spring Valley main gym (9:05 a.m.) - Houston Hoops vs. Drew Gooden Soldiers Blue

Semifinal at Spring Valley aux. gym (9:05 a.m.) - Mac Irvin Fire vs. California Supreme

Championship at Spring Valley main gym (11:15 a.m.)