DRC Hopkins ready to move on looking/pro

OldTimer · March 9, 2005

Men's basketball: UNT’s Hopkins ready to move on

Senior guard drops appeal for sixth year of eligibility

09:05 AM CST on Wednesday, March 9, 2005

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

One of the all-time greats in North Texas basketball history has hung up his Mean Green jersey for the final time.

Leonard Hopkins, a player who battled through injuries to become one of the top 10 scorers in UNT history, said Tuesday that he is giving up his appeal to the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility to pursue a professional basketball career.

"I feel like it is time for another chapter in my life," Hopkins said. "I graduate in May and want to pursue playing professionally."

Hopkins plans to sign with an agent in the next few weeks and hopes to be invited to a series of pre-NBA Draft camps.

Hopkins played four years at UNT, but saw his sophomore season cut short after nine games with a foot injury. UNT’s athletic department filed an appeal with the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility for Hopkins based on the time he missed due to the injury.

UNT coach Johnny Jones said winning the appeal was a long shot and prepared for the upcoming signing period with that in mind.

UNT has two open scholarships and is looking to add to what is already a two-man signing class with 6-10 center Justin Howerton of Howe and 6-8 forward Harold Stewart of Crowley. Both signed with UNT in the fall.

The new players in UNT’s program will have some big shoes to fill after Hopkins’ departure.

Hopkins secured a spot among the greats in UNT basketball history, despite missing a large portion of his sophomore season. The former Dallas Lincoln standout finished his career as the eighth-leading scorer in UNT history with 1,340 points.

"Leonard really had an impact on our program," Jones said. "He gave UNT credibility because people knew about him and how highly rated he was in high school."

Hopkins was ranked among the top players in the state when he broke his leg his sophomore year at Lincoln, an injury that forced him to miss his junior and senior campaigns in high school.

UNT offered Hopkins a scholarship despite the fact he had not played in more than two years. Hopkins sat out his freshman year at UNT to continue recovering before beginning a memorable career with the Mean Green in the 2001-02 season.

Hopkins averaged 11.5 points as a freshman and appeared to be on his way to a standout sophomore campaign before seeing his season cut short.

Hopkins came back to average 14.0 points as a junior and 18.1 as a senior when he had several memorable moments. UNT’s starting shooting guard hit an 18-foot jumper from the baseline with 0.3 seconds left to lift the Mean Green over Sun Belt West Division champion Denver at the Super Pit during the regular season.

Hopkins also became just the 16th player in school history to score 1,000 points. He put an exclamation point on his career when he hit a 3-point shot at the final buzzer of UNT’s loss to Arkansas State in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament at the Super Pit on Friday.

While Hopkins reached several personal milestones during his career, he was equally as proud of his contributions in helping the team through the transition to a new coaching staff.

Vic Trilli recruited Hopkins, who played the majority of his career under Jones. UNT won just 20 games in Trilli’s four seasons at UNT, but has won 27 games the last two years with Hopkins as the Mean Green’s leading scorer.

"Leonard’s ability to score gave us an added dimension," Jones said. "Leonard also has great character both on and off the floor."

That character and talent will give Hopkins an opportunity to play professionally, Jones said.

"When Leonard puts his mind to something, he is successful," Jones said. "There is definitely a spot out there for him in pro ball."

Hopkins credited his development to a positive experience at UNT.

"Everything played out like I hoped it would," Hopkins said. "I made an impact on the program and have been through the highs and the lows. I don’t regret any of it. I had a great experience."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870.

Coach · March 9, 2005

He was a great scorer. He would have really racked up the numbers had his health agreed with him. I was wanting Hopkins to be back, but I understand wanting to move on.

Again, thanks Leonard, and good luck with whatever you pursue in the future.

Edited March 9, 2005 by Coach