Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake

Connie Hawkins was an American professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative forwards in basketball history. Here’s detailed information about him:

Personal Information:

  • Full Name: Cornelius Lance Hawkins
  • Nationality: American
  • Date of Birth: July 17, 1942
  • Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
  • Date of Death: October 6, 2017 (aged 75)
  • Height: 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 meters)
  • Weight: 210 pounds (95 kilograms)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 0 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 16 (US)
  • Jersey Numbers: 42, 21, 44, 33
  • Position: Forward

Educational and Athletic Background:

  • High School: Boys High School, Brooklyn, New York
  • College:
    • Briefly attended the University of Iowa but did not complete his collegiate career due to involvement in a point-shaving scandal, which was later proven to be baseless.

Professional Career:

  • NBA Draft: Was not drafted into the NBA due to initial league restrictions but later joined as a result of legal action.
  • Teams Played For:
    • ABL (American Basketball League): Pittsburgh Rens (1961–1962)
    • Harlem Globetrotters: (1963–1967)
    • ABA (American Basketball Association): Pittsburgh Pipers (1967–1968)
    • NBA:
      • Phoenix Suns (1969–1973)
      • Los Angeles Lakers (1973–1974)
      • Atlanta Hawks (1974–1976)
  • Championship Rings: None (though he won the ABA Championship with the Pittsburgh Pipers in 1968).

Legacy and Achievements:

  • Notable Achievements:
    • ABA Champion (1968)
    • NBA All-Star (1970–1973)
    • All-NBA First Team (1970)
    • Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1992).

Personal Life:

  • Children: Hawkins had four children.
  • Siblings: Information about siblings is not publicly available.

Impact on Basketball:

Connie Hawkins was known for his extraordinary athleticism, large hands, and unique playing style, which featured graceful dunks, ball-handling skills, and mid-air improvisation. He inspired countless players, including Julius Erving and Michael Jordan. Despite facing significant obstacles early in his career, he left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.