PSO Scouting Report: PG Killian Hayes

PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: Natural Athleticism, developed NBA-Caliber Skills, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.

Bio

Pos: PG

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Class: International

DOB (Age): 7/27/01 (Age 19)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 216 lbs.

Facts to Know

Made his professional debut at the age of 16 with the Cholet senior team in the top-tier French league
Hayes was born in Florida, but moved to France because his father, DeRon, began playing professionally in Europe
Hayes wanted to come back to the US for HS & NCAA but dad advised him to stay in Europe after seeing both systems

Athleticism

Pros

Good frame & solid wingspan for a guard; can fluidly switch between ball-dominant and secondary guard
Great balance on both sides of the ball, which helps mask his lack of pure speed
Above-average deceleration for step-backs and finding ways through holes that do not always seem to be there
Showed improvement in overall athleticism and will look to build on that during his first year

Cons

Does not have explosive athleticism that will result in poster dunks/major highlights
Not very fast in the open court, beats people with his decisions not his speed
Dexterity is not great, right hand is clearly weaker than the left
Lateral quickness is subpar and will be an issue at first while attempting to guard other PGs
First step does not seem to be at the level where he can take advantage of mismatches

Grade: B-

NBA Skills

Pros

Incredibly versatile; can play either guard spot very well and will be able to adjust to his teammates
Very high basketball IQ which is shown through his playmaking ability for himself and others
Plays angles well in the passing game on defense both in transition and the half-court
Has NBA range for sure, but will need to work on consistency at the next level
Rare ability to pass over the defense to his shooters on the perimeter makes him a modern PG
Handle is solid and helps him maneuver his way to the basket for crafty finishes

Cons

Not defensively skilled enough to overcome speed difference against NBA-caliber opponents
Being so left-hand dominant leads to predictability; if he can bring the right along his game really opens up

Grade: A-

Production

Pros

12.8 PPG is very solid for a teenager playing against professional grown men (Luka had 12.8 PPG in Liga ACB)
Superb FT% of 90.9, will probably average out in the high 80s which is still great
Great assist totals (8.3 per 36 minutes), has the potential to average 10 a game in the league
Solid 3P% (39%) on a good number of attempts per game (4.1)
1.5 steals a game in only 25 minutes is a great number that shows his perimeter defensive potential

Cons

Turnovers are an issue (4.7 per 36 minutes) and will need to be cleaned up immediately
Fouls too much for a guard (4.3 per 36) which does not bode well for his overall defensive mobility
Should be taking at least 6 FTA per game (only 2.2); such a strength needs to be utilized more
Rebound numbers are low (2.3 RPG) and complete non-factor on offensive glass/put-backs (0.1 ORB)

Grade: B+

Risk

Pros

Knows the professional game very well, father played in Europe and he has been a pro since 16 years old
Has a great knowledge of the game and enjoys making his teammates better; true team player
Crafty, high-IQ player who will be able to pick apart defenses to find the best shot later in his career
Versatility is a major strength, either guard spot will bring different good qualities out of Hayes
Always excelled amongst him age group overseas, won MVP of FIBA’s U16 tournament in 2017, will be 19 on draft night

Cons

There is a perception that he is slow in general which does not bode well for today’s NBA
Lack of overall athleticism, especially at the PG spot is rarely successful in the Association
Plays out of control too much which leads to turnovers, that might only increase as the game speed does
Left hand dominance is a legitimate concern and will immediately be exposed if he doesn’t develop right-hand moves
Passing is the only trait that really sticks out; could be somewhat ineffective without a good supporting cast around him
Teams don’t know how he would fare against other draft prospects without any NCAA experience

Grade: B-

Overall

As different paths to the NBA outside of college basketball emerge across the globe, prospects such as Killian Hayes are viewed as guinea pigs to this approach. Despite being born in the United States to American parents, Hayes has spent his whole life and career development process abroad. His father, a former professional player, opted against having Hayes return to the states for high school and college, and decided to put him through the European system.

Clearly this decision worked out. Hayes is a fantastic prospect with a basketball IQ beyond his years. His passing ability, size, and fluidity at the guard position makes him a potential floor general in today’s NBA. He has the building blocks for a good outside game and the frame to make him a solid defender. The main questions for Hayes revolve around his defensive ability and if he is quick enough to keep up with the fast pace of the league. He is coming into the league with three years of professional experience and a wealth of basketball knowledge that no other prospect could have. Whatever team gets him has the benefit of starting him at either guard spot or having him lead the second unit with a team-first mentality.

Pro Comp: Spencer Dinwiddie

Projected Round/Pick: Mid-lottery

Prime Destinations: DET (#7), NYK (#8), PHX (#10)

OVERALL Grade: B