Nigel Hawkins to transfer from UTEP Basketball team

EL PASO, Texas - The UTEP Men's Basketball didn't play a game today, but still managed to suffer one of their worst losses of the season.

Sophomore guard Nigel Hawkins has entered the transfer portal and will seek to continue his college career elsewhere.

Hawkins started 27 games a year ago as a freshman, averaging 12.6 points per game. But with an influx of incoming transfers to this year's UTEP roster, Hawkins was relegated to a bench role.

Hawkins was however a key part of this year's rotation, appearing in all but one game so far this season.

The Houston, TX native had only been averaging 3.8 points per contest this year, but was considered a key reserve and defensive specialist for Rodney Terry.

Hawkins now becomes the 2nd UTEP player to transfer out of the program this season. He joins forward Kaosi Ezeagu, who entered the transfer portal in early December.

With Hawkins out of the picture, UTEP will now lean even heavier on guards Jordan Lathon and Souley Boum, who already average more than 25 minutes per game.

UTEP has seen an increased role from NJIT transfer Anthony Tarke, who has played his way into the rotation with a high motor and tremendous upside.

UTEP (9-4) returns to action in their Conference-USA opener this Thursday at Florida International.