By John Raslowsky, PSO Director of Basketball Scouting
Jun 18, 2019

Hometown: Loveland, Ohio

School: Texas

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Ht: 6’11”

Wt: 218

Wingspan: 7’3.5″ 

Vertical: 34.5″

  • Was 6’0″ as a freshman in high school and grew to be 6’11” after 4 years
  • His father played in the NFL, and is the coach and GM for the St. Louis XFL franchise
  • Will be 3rd straight Texas center to be picked in draft (Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba)

Pros

  • Comfortable above the rim
  • Great length helps clog lane
  • Gifted 6’11 height
  • Quick on feet for size
  • Can switch on defense

 

Cons

  • Delayed reactions
  • Needs to gain strength
 

Grade: A-

Pros

  • Comfortable putting ball on the floor
  • Solid shooter from mid-range
  • Good lateral movement on defense

 

Cons

  • Bad rebounding fundamentals
  • Lacks repertoire in the post
  • Struggles with left hand
  • Bites on fakes leading to fouls

 

Grade: B

 

Pros

  • 72.8% field goal percentage (2nd best in Big 12)
  • 17.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per 40 minutes
  • 74% free throw shooter
  • 12.1 box +/- (3rd best in Big 12)

 

Cons

  • 5.7 fouls per 40 minutes
  • Not a passing threat (0.3 apg)
  • No 3 pointers attempted in 2018
 

Grade: B+

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Pros

  • Parents were high level athletes
  • Big 12 freshman of the year
  • WR in High School = Rim Runner
  • High effort player; defensive presence

 

Cons

  • History of injuries
  • Not as polished as most his age
  • Low production in big games

 

Grade: B+

After only 1 year playing for Shaka Smart, Hayes should hear his name called during the lottery on draft night. He has the size and skill set of a current day big man and is quick enough to keep up with the pace of play. His knowledge of the game has plenty of room to grow and his fundamentals need work, but he is the type of project most coaches would be happy to have.

Pro Comp: C Jarrett Allen (Brooklyn Nets)

Prime Destinations: CHI, CHA, WAS

OVERALL Grade: B+