He was the basketball player who brought New York City float and flair street-ball to the NBA. Though his early professional career was marred and delayed by a point-shaving scandal that he had nothing to do with, Connie Hawkins made it to the pros and left his mark on the game.
I have his autobiography on my book shelf, "Foul!: The Connie Hawkins Story by David Wolf." I set it down after a few chapters because of the sadness of Connie's early life of poverty and being bullied. I remember skipping through to the chapters about the scandal and found more sadness, so I set it aside again.
Now with "The Hawk's" passing I feel I owe it to myself and the humble legend to delve into his autobiography and not let up until I've come to know the high's of Hawk's career and life. I do know that he was a Harlem Globetrotter for a while, that's a life highlight. He also was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, definitely a highlight.
Too think that Julius Erving, "Dr. J.," might of modeled his signature slam dunk after The Hawk's ball-palming style of attacking the basket is definitely a highlight for him.
Connie Hawkins, one of the best players to ever play the game. A Basketball Legend, from the playgrounds of NYC to the Arena's of professional sports. The Hawk will be remembered.| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career ABA and NBA statistics | |
| Points | 11,528 (18.7 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 5,450 (8.8 rpg) |
| Assists | 2,556 (4.1 apg) |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame as player | |
Connie Hawkins; A Victim of Injustice
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