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The 10 Most Successful UW Huskies Basketball Players in the NBA/ABA

By Ben Renner

Oct 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Nate Robinson (2) reacts as he made a three pointer to tie the game during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 10-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Nate Robinson (2) reacts as he made a three pointer to tie the game during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 10-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports. See Steve Hawes here. /

8. Steve Hawes

The uncle of current NBA player and former University of Washington star Spencer Hawes was also a celebrated player for the UW Huskies who had a successful NBA career. Steve Hawes went to Mercer Island High School and played center for the UW Huskies. He played 10 years in the NBA after coming out of the University of Washington, playing for both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Sonics, as well as the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks.

Hawes was selected in the second round of the 1972 NBA Draft after playing for a season for the Italian team Reyer Canon Venezia. After bouncing from the Rockets to the Blazers, Hawes played his longest stint with any one team in Atlanta, playing seven seasons with the Hawks. After a year with the Sonics, he played his final professional basketball season in 1984-1985 with Reyer Canon Venezia again.

The 6’9” center was a First-team All-Pac-8 selection in 1972. Hawes averaged 8.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists during his long career in the NBA. Even at age 65, I’m sure Hawes could still take most of us to the hole on the court in a pick-up game. The Hawes family is a great Seattle sports tradition in and of itself. We can only hope they keep producing top-notch basketball talent for both the UW Huskies and the NBA to enjoy. If you’re still watching the NBA, that is. Here’s to hoping more Hawes’ break out of the Seattle basketball scene.

Next: Like Uncle, Like Nephew

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