Dawkins subsequently played nine seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the San Antonio Spurs (1986–1989), Philadelphia 76ers (1989–1994), and Detroit Pistons (1994–1995).

He played basketball at Mackin Catholic High School in Washington, D.C. before enrolling at Duke University.

At Duke, he became the team's all-time leading scorer with 2,556 points, which stood until 2006 when JJ Redick surpassed it.

[3] In April 2008, he was named head coach at Stanford University, succeeding Trent Johnson.

[5] On March 23, 2016, Dawkins was hired as head coach by the University of Central Florida.

On March 2, 2019, UCF defeated (#8 AP Poll/#6 Coaches Poll) Houston at Fertitta Center, stopping the nation's longest home winning streak at 33.