Dawkins retires from pro basketball

For Kenny Dawkins, it was time to come home and give back to his community.

The legendary Holly Springs High School basketball player, who led the Hawks to back-to-back state championships in 2004 and 2005, retired from professional basketball in April after 17 seasons overseas.

“I wanted to be back close to family,” said Dawkins, whose mother passed away last year. “And I wanted to come back and help younger kids and future college and pro athletes.

“Being in other countries and seeing different cultures, it was a great experience for me. But that time in my life, playing overseas, had run its course.”

Dawkins played for nine different professional teams.

“The competition was what I enjoyed the most,” he said. “I was able to go against guys at the same level or better than me every time on the court. I was competing against the best.”

He said a couple of his best professional seasons came during his first few years. In his third year, his team made the championship game in both leagues.

Later, when playing in Brazil, Dawkins turned in a stellar season, averaging 16 points a game and being nominated for point guard of the year. The team went from one of the worst in the league to the third best.

The former Dandy Dozen and all-state high school player was back on the home court July 10-11 to host a free basketball camp for Holly Springs youth. He said it was a “great feeling.”

“I remember all the fans and those sold-out games,” he said. “Believe it or not, at times I was nervous and anxious. We won some tough games here – like battling back from 20 down to beat Rosa Fort.

“Being back here and looking around and seeing the history of this place, I love it. This is a basketball school, and it’s good to see all the upgrades in the gym. And, of course, bringing home those state championships, that was really special, a wonderful feeling.”

Dawkins, 39, said he appreciates Naylond Hayes, his coach at the high school level, and Henry Hood, his coach at Holy Family School, for their guidance in basketball and life.

His immediate plans are giving back through basketball. He will be training young athletes individually and in group sessions.

“I want to reach the younger generation and help build them up,” Dawkins said. “I want to help lead them in the right direction. I want the basketball culture to get back to the way it was when I was growing up. I want to see the kids’ faces light up when they realize they can do something. And who knows, I might even consider coaching on down the line.”