Roderick Hawkins was known as cagey rebounder and a gritty defender willing to sacrifice his body to take a charge heading into this, his junior season for the Chico State men's basketball team. Now, three-quarters of the way through this season, it would be safe to add that he's become one of the top scoring big men in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Hawkins scored 19 points, reaching double figures for the 10th time in the last 12 games, as the Wildcats hung tough against conference leader Cal State San Bernardino before eventually losing 60-53. Hawkins averaged 13.5 points on 56 percent shooting, four rebounds, and two steals per game as the Wildcats lost at Cal Poly Pomona and San Bernardino over the Weekend. For his efforts, Hawkins has been named Wildcat of the Week.
Hawkins, who has raised his scoring average to 11.2 points per game - second on the team - entered the season with a career-high scoring game of 14. He's matched or bettered that mark four times in the last nine games.
Hawkins finished with eight points, four rebounds, and a steal despite playing just 24 minutes due to first-half foul trouble in the Wildcats' 69-61 loss at Cal Poly Pomona Friday night.
Saturday against Cal State San Bernardino, Hawkins made 8-of-13 shots and both of his free throw attempts for the second highest point total of his career (19). He also chipped ni four rebounds, a pair of steals, an assist and a 3-pointer.
Hawkins is well on his way to becoming the 12th player in Chico State history to lead the team in rebounding in consecutive seasons. On pace to grab his 400th career rebound before the end of this season, Hawkins led the team with 130 boards last year and is averaging 6.7 per game this year. If he does wind up leading the team again, he’ll join a high-profile list tht includes Andy Bocian, David Fluker, Rich Hogan, and Bryant Tyler.
