Storrs — Jordan Hawkins draws motivation from the banners of former UConn basketball greats hanging on the wall of the team's practice facility.

"I look up there every day, saying to myself I'm going to be one of those guys on that wall," Hawkins said. "I keep that as extra motivation for myself."

His favorite Husky is Hall of Famer Ray Allen.

A 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Gaithersburg, Md., Hawkins tries to model his game after Allen, a clutch perimeter shooter and performer during his UConn and NBA careers.

"Ray Allen is a legend," Hawkins said. "Him being a shooter ... me being a shooter but nowhere near him. I can definitely look at old clips of him, study his game and put it in mine."

Hawkins, one of three members of a top 15 recruiting class, is just starting his college career. He spoke with the media along with fellow freshmen Rahsool Diggins and Samson Johnson on Wednesday.

He's coming off a stellar senior season playing for a powerhouse high school program in DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md. He averaged 19.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.9 blocks while shooting 64 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point range. He was named the Gatorade Maryland Boys' Basketball Player of the Year.

After committing to UConn last August, Hawkins, a top 50 recruit, wrote in a blog for Sports Illustrated All-American that he shared with the Husky staff that his goal is to play in college for one or two years before jumping to the NBA.

Coach Dan Hurley told Hawkins that he could be the next James Bouknight, who left school after his sophomore season and is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

So, expectations are extremely high for Hawkins.

Right now, Hawkins is just grateful to be playing at UConn.

"Not a lot of people where I'm from get this opportunity to play at somewhere like UConn with such a legendary background," Hawkins said. "It's honestly a blessing. I'm still taking it all in. I'm just glad to be here."

As far as his personality, well, Hawkins generally lets his game do the talking.

He prefers to take everything in during practice and ask questions when he doesn't understand something or wants to learn more.

"I'm a pretty laid-back guy, just a chill guy," Hawkins said.

But he's not shy about making some noise on the basketball court. He's considered a dynamic two-way player. He also has a quiet confidence about him.

This is how Hawkins describes his game: "I would say I'm a scorer. I put the ball in the basket and play-make, defend. I play hard every game. So that's what fans can expect from me."

DeMatha coach Mike Jones raved about Hawkins when contacted after his talented guard committed to UConn last summer.

"I think he's going to have a chance to have a tremendous career and a tremendous impact at UConn," Jones said. "I can't wait to see him in a UConn uniform. He's unique in that he's an incredible athlete and he can shoot the ball and he gives maximum effort on both ends of the floor. He's incredibly coachable."

UConn's backcourt got even deeper with the addition of Hawkins and Diggins, a point guard from Philadelphia.

The two newcomers will be fighting for playing time with veterans R.J. Cole and Jalen Gaffney as well as sophomore Andre Jackson. Earning a spot in the regular rotation will be a challenge for both.

Hawkins welcomes the competition. He has faith in his abilities and believes he can make an impact as a freshman.

"I think I have a chance to do something," Hawkins said. "It's been great playing with these guys so far, learning their games."

Hawkins is impressed with the team's talent and work ethic. He appreciates his older teammates helping him negotiate the twists and turns of freshman life in a Big East basketball program.

"We've got some talented guys on the team," Hawkins said. "We have a special group this year. I think we can go far."

g.keefe@theday.com