VIDEO: Taylor Hawkins Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman men's basketball alumus Taylor Hawkins wasn't gone from the program for long.
Shortly after graduating in May, Hawkins has joined head coach Chuck Benson's staff as a volunteer assistant for the upcoming season.
"Over the last four years, we've had some guys who have stepped up in this position and provided and added value to our staff," Benson said. "I have every confidence that Taylor will add value, give more than is expected and perform and deliver for us."
Hawkins has been a crucial reserve and "glue guy" for the Eagles for the past four years. Hawkins top game came against Brevard his sophomore year when he scored 10 points and drilled a trio of threes against the Tornados. He scored 70 points in his Carson-Newman career with 53 rebounds.
The Madisonville, Tenn.-native takes over a role held in years past by former Eagles Kevin Tucker and Michael Ray Likely Jr., both of whom helped coach Hawkins as a player.
"I'm glad to be a part of the program in a different capacity," Hawkins said. "My role on the team before was kind of a player coaching. Coach Benson and I both thought that this would be a good fit on and off the court. I've had some good mentors along with the way and I've learned a lot of stuff already from Ray and Kevin who have done this before me."
He helped the Eagles put together four straight winning seasons, a SAC tournament championship and a pair of NCAA tournament appearances. He is also a part of the third fastest team to win 20 games at Carson-Newman in school history.