Dawes, a 6’2″ guard from Newark, New Jersey, joins the Gladiators following professional stints in Europe, most recently with BK Děčín in the Czech National Basketball League. His European career has also included spells with Saint-Chamond in France and APOEL B.C. in Cyprus, where he produced standout performances.

Dawes built his reputation during a notable college career, particularly at Seton Hall University, where he was named the National Invitation Tournament’s (NIT) Most Outstanding Player in 2024 after guiding the Pirates to glory in the tournament. He began his collegiate career at Clemson University, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman starter before transferring to Seton Hall.