Jaxson Hayes has declared for the 2019 NBA Draft after a freshman season that saw him jump on the radar. Coming into school Hayes was ranked outside of the top 100 recruits as a four-star according to 247 Sports. Hayes play early on in the season with his athleticism and length caught scouts eyes and put him on the map.
Although lanky and with a need to still put on weight, Hayes has the ability to move fluidly. His shot-blocking prowess and ability to roll hard to the basket and finish plays above the rim immediately moved him up draft boards. In a matter of months, his name was being mentioned more and more as a one and done player and has now made that official.
NEWS: @Big12Conference Freshman of the Year @hayes_jaxson has declared for the 2019 @NBADraft & will hire an agent. #HookEm ?
Statement from Jaxson & quote from @HookEmSmart ?
? https://t.co/Cfc2NLYjXF pic.twitter.com/tVwmshKsyH
— Texas Basketball ? (@TexasMBB) April 11, 2019
Hayes is projected to go in the top 10 in Def Pen’s most recent mock draft. Hayes is built in the exact way the league is looking for big men these days. Athletic, mobile, and the ability to play good defense as a rim protector and the ability to switch out onto the perimeter. Hayes needs to continue to improve his ability to stay in front and at least slowdown guards and wings on a switch. At times he got into foul trouble as many young big men tend do especially when caught in a switch but with more reps, Hayes will surely get better. With his basketball skills still raw, there is loads of room for improvement and as we’ve seen time and time again the NBA draft of potential.
