Former Jayhawk Jeff Hawkins Returns for Scrimmage

June 10, 2010

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Former Kansas basketball player Jeff Hawkins returned to campus on Wednesday to participate in the Bill Self Basketball Camp scrimmage. Hawkins was one of two former Jayhawks to participate in this week’s camp exhibition, joining former walk-on Brad Witherspoon.

“It feels good to be back,” Hawkins said. “It always feels good to come back to Lawrence and play, especially when you get a chance to play in front of the campers. It feels great because we know how much it means to them. I just love coming back here and playing in this atmosphere at KU.”

Hawkins recently moved back to the area after being named the head basketball coach at Perry-Lecompton. Prior to accepting the job, he worked as an assistant last season at Ellis High School in western Kansas. Last season, Hawkins helped lead the Railers to 16-7 overall record and a trip to the sub-state finals.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity,” Hawkins said. “I have the chance to touch a few kids’ lives and teach them the game of basketball. I want to help them through life. I’m just trying to take what I learned from Coach (Roy) Williams and Bill Self, and just mold my system to be the best we can.”

Hawkins wore the Crimson and Blue from 2002-2006, playing for both Williams and Self. In Hawkins’ career at KU, he played in 113 games, averaging 2.8 points and 11 minutes per game. Most fans will remember Hawkins’ performance against Baylor during his junior season, where he erupted for a season-high 15 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the three-point range.

He plans on living in Lawrence while he coaches at Perry-Lecompton.

“Anytime I come back to Lawrence, memories start flashing through my head,” Hawkins said. “No matter where I am in Lawrence, there are memories going through my head. The closer to the Fieldhouse, the more memories come flooding back.”

Hawkins and other KU alumni will participate in the second camp scrimmage next week.