Atlantic native, and former Northwest Missouri State Bearcat, Ryan Hawkins announced via social media on Monday that he is headed to Creighton University to finish his college basketball career. Hawkins decided last week to enter the transfer portal and use his extra year of eligibility at the Division 1 level.

Excited for this new opportunity! @BluejayMBB #GoJays pic.twitter.com/iZrDwPPDtO

— Ryan Hawkins (@RyanHawkins8) May 3, 2021

Ryan told KJAN Sports that he had Creighton in mind when he hit the transfer portal and likes the tradition they’ve developed.

He said the recruitment process was pretty difficult right now because he couldn’t officially visit any campus’ due to COVID restrictions.

The fit should be a good one on the basketball floor for Hawkins because he said the system isn’t totally different from Northwest.

The Bluejays are coming off a 22-9 campaign this past season with an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. There will be a lot of holes to fill though, with all five starters either transferring or declaring for the NBA Draft. That will give Hawkins a chance to lead right away.

Hawkins just finished a national championship season with Northwest and he leaves as the Bearcats all-time leading rebounder and second on their career scoring list.