Hawkins weighing NFL option, but basketball still his passion

Former UK basketball standout Dominique Hawkins was known as one of the best athletes in college basketball.

On Tuesday morning Hawkins told the Midday Rush, a morning radio show on 680/105.7 ESPN Louisville, that he worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

Hawkins told hosts Andy Sweeney and Lachlan McClean that he tried out for the Eagles and the Eagles raved about his athleticism but said his technique was rusty.

It's not the first time that an NFL team has shown interest in Hawkins. When working out for the Los Angeles Lakers the Chicago Bears sent representatives to watch Hawkins. Hawkins checked in at 6-f0ot and 191-pounds when working out for NBA teams. During a UK team workout he had a 44.5 max vert.

“Basically I’m just weighing out all my opportunities," Hawkins said in an interview with the media on Tuesday. "I haven’t decided on what I really want to do yet, but I definitely want to continue with basketball so far. Just waiting for what’s going to be the best for my future.”

Hawkins played football at Madison Central but few football programs showed any interest because of Hawkins skill on the basketball court. He led his high school to a basketball state championship his senior year while averaging 20.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Hawkins said he hears from people all the time about how he could excel at football.

"Everybody tells me I’m an NFL football player," Hawkins said. "I remember my high school coach, he wanted me to play in college. He was always telling me I’d be a top 3 round draft pick. Stuff like that. But I just had so much love and passion for basketball. It grew up as my first love and I just want to continue and enjoy it.”

At Kentucky Hawkins was a four-year player and played in every game during his senior year. He averaged 4.7 points, 1.7 assists and 1.6 rebounds per game. He played for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Summer League but didn't receive enough minutes to earn a contract.