Young Boy Alert: 2010 Guard Andre Dawkins

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

June 10, 2008 - Carrying a cool demeanor and smooth jumper, Atlantic Shores (VA) guard Andre Dawkins could easily be one of the top shooting guards in the Class of 2008. Only thing is this sniper from Chesapeake, VA is two years away from graduation; which puts him in the highly sought after 2010 class.

Performing for Boo Williams Summer League, Dawkins is amongst some the best prep ballers in the nation on his own team, let alone in the world of AAU hoops. Florida commit DeShawn Painter, UNC commit Kendall Marshall, Marshawn Powell (Arkansas), and Steven Pledger (Oklahoma) are just a few of the headliners on this seemingly always loaded travel team. Because of the quality talent and depth, Dawkins can be seasoned by coming off the bench as a major contributor.

Sophomore Andre Dawkins has the potential to be one fo the best shooting guards in America as a senior.

Dawkins skill set is growing as he matures into a young man and more of a complete basketball player. At 6-foot-4, Andre already has the size and build to match many of his older contemporaries. What sets him apart from most of his hoops brethren is his sweet stroke. Andre Dawkins can flat out shoot the basketball.

“Yeah, they say I can shoot a little bit,” responded Andre when asked about the strengths of his game.

“I’m trying to be more of a complete player and not just a shooter. I’m known mostly for my ability to shoot.”

In limited action for Boo Williams during the Memorial Day Classic, the young Dawkins held true to his reputation as a shooter; coming off screens on set plays to stroke the jumper. Recognizing the need for expansion of his overall skill set, Andre also showed the wanting to drive to the hole for scores.

He expounded, “I can get up too, getting to the basket more and not relying solely on my jump shot are things I’ve been working on.”

No slouch on the defensive end either, Andre uses his strong frame and quickness to get between his opponent and the basket, but still needs to improve his overall court awareness and play with more of a sense of urgency at all times. As with most young players, consistency is vital at this stage of Dawkins’ play.

Maryland and Georgetown are the hottest pursuers at this point, but Dawkins has also heard from Clemson, Duke, Virginia and Virginia Tech, all with regularity. A well rounded individual, having some of the country’s leading academic institutions vying for his services is also indicative of the work Andre is completing in the classroom, as he sports a 3.67 grade point average.