JUCO SF commits to Blue Raiders
Southwest Mississippi CC SF James Hawthorne gives MT the pledge
Fresh off the heels of T.J. Massenburg's commitment, Kermit Davis and the Blue Raider coaching staff received yet another pledge on Monday when Southwest Mississippi Community College forward James Hawthorne pulled the trigger and committed to the program.
Known as a defensive juggernaut, Hawthorne set the school record for blocks by a freshman last season with 34 total swats for the Bearcats.
At 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 195 pounds, Hawthorne is a lengthy defender who reeks havoc with his nearly 7-foot wingspan.
In 24 games of action last season, Hawthorne tallied averages of 3.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
The Bearcats boasted a deep roster, though, and Hawthorne only saw the floor for an average of 14 minutes a game. In fact, 11 total players averaged double digit minutes last season for SMCC and two others came in just under double digit minute averages.
Hawthorne's 34 blocks also led the team.
SMCC finished the year with an impressive 17-8 record en route to the MACJC State Tournament title.
Known as a leaper, Hawthorne has been developing his jump shot and had quite an impressive summer, which was capped with an All Star selection at the Brad Winton JUCO Showcase - an event where the top 80 JUCO players come together to showcase their talent in front of scouts and coaches.
Blue Raider head coach Kermit Davis personally went to scout Hawthorne over the summer and convinced the Mississippi native to come to Murfreesboro for his official visit in September, which he attended with (now) fellow commit David Simmons.
In addition to his offer from MT, Hawthorne also reportedly held offers from Iona, Southern Miss, Troy, Robert Morris, UNC-Wilmington, SE Missouri State and Tennessee-Chattanooga.
After spending this past weekend at Southern Miss, Hawthorne decided he had seen enough to make a decision, and informed the Blue Raiders of his intent Monday morning.
Hawthorne was a Deans List recipient this past year at SMCC as well.
Keep it locked here to GoMiddle.com for more on James Hawthorne and all of Middle Tennessee's 2017 recruiting targets!