Hak Attack Returns For Senior Season!
4/29/2004 4:15:40 PM | Men's Basketball
SYRACUSE, NY -- Junior forward Hakim Warrick has announced his intention to forgo the NBA Draft and stay at Syracuse University for his senior season. He made the announcement at a Manley Field House Press Conference on Thursday afternoon.
"After talking things over with Coach Boeheim and my mom, we felt that it was the best decision for me to come back and play my final year at Syracuse," said Warrick. "It’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. I realize that I’m really close, but I think we have a good shot at winning the national championship next year and I’m so close to graduating. Hopefully I can come back and get my degree and another national championship.
“When it was all said and done I really enjoy being here and being at
“I’m definitely going to continue to work hard and work out this summer. I really want to try and expand my game more and become more of a perimeter this year and definitely try and bulk up and get stronger.”
Warrick earned All-American honors following a junior season that saw him help Syracuse reach the "Sweet 16." He was selected a second-team All-American by ESPN.com and The Sporting News and was a third-team pick by the Associated Press and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Warrick was also first team All-BIG EAST Conference. He averaged a squad-best 19.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per outing.
He scored in double figures in 30-of-31 games this year. He played at least 40 minutes in seven of the last eight games and played without a rest 14 times this season. Warrick tied the school record for game free throws made (18) and attempted (22) in a contest with Rhode Island this season.
Warrick was a finalist for three player of the year awards this seaon -- The Naismith Award, the Rupp Award and the Wooden Award.
Known for his dramatic dunks, Warrick led Syracuse with 76 slams this season. He has a remarkable 192 in his 101-game career.
Warrick was the BIG EAST Conference's Most Improved Player after a sophomore season that featured SU's national championship. Warrick averaged 14.8 pionts and 8.5 rebounds a game while starting al 35 contests in a 30-5 campaign. He was third team All-BIG EAST as well.
He forever etched his name among SU's all-time greats when he blocked Kansas' final attempt in the NCAA title game.
A retail management and consumer studies major, Warrick is on track to earn his bachelor's degree in the next academic year.
