Last season, Russ Hawkins, a freshman, played on the JV team at Chapel Hill. Now, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound guard from Charlotte has joined the UNC basketball team as a walk-on, alongside 6-foot-4, 197-pound senior guard Elijah Davis, who transferred from Division III Lynchburg.
Recently, the UNC basketball social media team sparked curiosity among fans with its “Summer Work” spotlight series. They shared a photo and a highlight of Hawkins practicing on Roy Williams Court in the Dean E. Smith Center.
In the featured clip, Hawkins steals the ball from returning junior guard Seth Trimble at the top of the key, fights for possession near midcourt, and then assists Tar Heel junior transfer forward Cade Tyson for a dunk in transition.
Although Hawkins may not secure a regular spot in the rotation, he appears to be an aggressive defender and quick thinker, adding valuable depth to the team’s backcourt.
The 2024-25 UNC basketball season, marking the fourth year under Hubert Davis, begins with a game against Elon at the Smith Center on November 4. Four days later, the Tar Heels will face the Kansas Jayhawks in a storied matchup at Allen Fieldhouse.
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