Sept. 26, 2005

As part of the new and improved gobonnies.com, the Student-Athlete Spotlight will profile a different St. Bonaventure student-athlete each week. This feature will allow Bonnies supporters to learn a little more about the outstanding student athletes who represent St. Bonaventure University in intercollegiate competition.

This week, freshman basketball player A.J. Hawkins answers questions about himself and the Bonnies program.

During your senior year at Millwood High School, what was the recruiting process like for you?

A.J.: I had a lot of schools looking at me at the beginning. The schools that were looking at me were Division I schools, but not as big as I wanted and not in as good of conferences as I wanted. I really didn't know that much about prep school but then I took a visit and I liked (South Kent) Coach (Rapael) Chillous. It gave me an extra year and helped me prepare. I've already been developed. East Coast basketball has a lot of exposure, so I thought it would be a good decision for me.

How did playing at South Kent prepare you for St. Bonaventure?

A.J.: We had a lot of talent on our team with Andray Blatche, who was just drafted into the NBA (by Washington), and many others who are nationally ranked. Playing with a lot of talent and working with them everyday helped me increase my game and really prepare me for college. That's why I think I can be an impact freshman.

With such a talented group of players at South Kent, did you have to be less selfish with your game? Would you say that honing your overall skills was the biggest benefit of going to South Kent?

A.J.: Yes, basically just knowing that you have to use your teammates. It's a big difference from high school because you have so much talent on your team that you have to know your role and play it. I became a defensive stopper for the team, and I still got a chance to get my offensive game going.

What were the biggest factors in your decision to come St. Bonaventure?

A.J.: The biggest factor was the coaches. I fell in love with the coaches when I took my visit. Some of the other coaches [recruiting me] were just looking at me to fill in a spot, and I knew if I came (to St. Bonaventure), I would actually get a chance to play at an early age and become a better player. Off the court, it seemed like they were really serious about academics and getting us together and making us one as a team.

What were your goals in preparing for a college basketball season?

A.J.: I conditioned and practiced shooting with my brother, Derek. He is a big inspiration to me because he's a professional basketball player in Germany. He really helped me in the summer - conditioning me and making me lift weights.

How are you adjusting outside of basketball at St. Bonaventure?

A.J.: It's a big adjustment academics-wise, but I had a good GPA in high school. You have to work at it, stay with it and talk to your professors. Another good thing about St. Bonaventure is that there aren't as many students in your class, so you can talk to your professors and they know who you are.

Are you getting anxious for the season to begin?

A.J.: It's starting to seem like a long time, and we have three weeks left. The conditioning is all mental. It's real tough at the beginning, as a freshman, just coming here and running like that and trying to adjust to everything. I'm real anxious to get started, to get used to playing with my teammates and getting to an official practice and actually getting to know all the plays.

How excited are you for that first game? What have you heard about being at the Reilly Center on game nights?

A.J.: It's going to be real exciting. I just want to contribute the best I can to get more wins on the team. I heard the (RC) crowd is real crazy and all into it. I think that's really going to help me athletically because I get an adrenaline rush and it helps you in the game.

What do you think your role is going to be on this team?

A.J.: Just doing any little thing to help the team - rebounding, becoming a defensive stopper, using my athletic ability to get to the glass, finish on the ends, getting the crowd into it, getting dunks.

Talk about the structure of St. Bonaventure's basketball program.

A.J.: I'm used to structure. My mom raised me well. Coach (Solomon) is real strict about everything - academics, being to class on time, making sure you finish everything you do when running - he's just real strict and stays on us. I like that about Coach Solomon. He talks to you on and off the court. He doesn't stay away from the team, so he can see everything that's going on. After basketball practice, you can go talk to coach. He's always there for you.

Who are some of the basketball players you try to emulate?

A.J.: I really look up to (Miami Heat guard) Dwayne Wade. He has that mentality that he's always getting it done. He's not just an outside shooter. He's a flat-out scorer, and he plays defense well too. Plus, we're about the same height.

What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?

A.J.: I like rap and gospel music. I don't go out that much. A lot of people don't know that about me - I don't like to party. I'm mostly in my room, watching TV or playing video games.

What other sports do you like to watch besides basketball?

A.J.: Being from Oklahoma, you've got to love football. I like the Denver Broncos because they're who I grew up watching.