40 Facts About Jaxson Hayes

Early Life and Family Background

Jaxson Hayes' journey to the NBA is rooted in his early life and family background. Let's dive into some key facts about his upbringing and family.

1. Born on May 23, 2000, in Norman, Oklahoma, Jaxson Hayes moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his family at the age of three.

2. His father, Jonathan Hayes, is a former NFL tight end who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. Jonathan is currently the tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals.

3. His mother, Kristi Hayes, played basketball at Drake University. She earned honorable mention Kodak All-American accolades and Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors as a senior.

4. Jaxson's family has a strong sports background, with both parents having successful athletic careers. This undoubtedly influenced his path in sports.

High School Career

Hayes' high school career set the stage for his future in basketball. Here are some highlights from his time at Archbishop Moeller High School.

5. Attended Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he excelled in basketball.

6. Ranked as the No. 89 overall prospect in the nation by ESPN during his high school career.

7. Led his team to a 27-3 record and the Division I state title in his senior year.

8. Averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks per game during his senior season.

9. Converted 67.3% of his shots from the floor, showcasing his efficiency.

10. Set the school single-season record for most blocks with 123 during his senior year.

College Career

Jaxson Hayes' college career at the University of Texas at Austin was a pivotal period in his development as a player.

11. Played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin, where he made significant strides.

12. Earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors for his impressive performance.

13. Named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, further solidifying his status as a rising star.

14. Averaged just 3 points per game in his sophomore year but made a significant jump in his senior year.

15. Averaged 5 points per game in his junior year, showing steady improvement.

Physical Attributes and Draft Selection

Hayes' physical attributes and draft selection played a crucial role in his NBA journey.

16. Stands at 6'11" with a wingspan of 7'4", making him an ideal rim protector.

17. Weighs 220 pounds, giving him the size and strength needed for the NBA.

18. Selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

19. The Pelicans acquired this pick in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who used the fourth overall pick to select Virginia forward De'Andre Hunter.

NBA Debut and Early Career

Jaxson Hayes made his NBA debut with the New Orleans Pelicans and quickly made an impact.

20. Made his NBA debut in the 2019-2020 season, catching the attention of scouts with his size and mobility.

21. Shot 72.8% from the field in his rookie season, showcasing his ability to finish at the rim.

22. Ranked in the 90th percentile or higher on pick-and-rolls, cuts, post-ups, and transition plays.

23. Known for his defensive prowess, blocking 3.8 shots per 40 minutes in college.

24. Struggled with physicality and foul trouble in his rookie year, similar to Mitchell Robinson's experience with the New York Knicks.

Offensive and Defensive Strengths

Hayes' strengths on both ends of the court make him a valuable asset to any team.

25. Highly regarded for his defensive abilities, showing promise in switching pick-and-rolls and moving his feet around the perimeter.

26. Massive hands make him an ideal candidate to catch lobs and grab rebounds.

27. Fluid athleticism allows him to hedge well during pick-and-roll defense, making him a versatile defender.

28. Blocked 2.2 shots per game in college, altering a significant number of potential shots.

Areas for Improvement

Despite his strengths, Hayes has areas where he needs to improve to reach his full potential.

29. Needs to add muscle to his frame to prepare for the physical demands of the NBA.

30. Lacks toughness, often fading in effectiveness when bodied up by more physical players.

31. Prone to fouls, averaging 5.7 fouls per 40 minutes in college.

32. Not a particularly good passer, having tallied only nine assists in his senior season at Texas.

33. Struggled with rebounding, particularly on offense, converting just 13-of-23 putbacks.

Career Stats and Comparisons

Hayes' career stats and comparisons to other players provide insight into his development and potential.

34. Averaged 17.5 points per 40 minutes in the 2019-2020 season.

35. Compared to Jarrett Allen, another Texas first-rounder known for his defensive prowess.

36. Similar to Mitchell Robinson, a young big man with significant defensive potential.

37. Shares similarities with Clint Capela in terms of athleticism and rim protection abilities.

Personal Interests and Family Influence

Jaxson Hayes' personal interests and family influence have shaped him into the player he is today.

38. Interested in majoring in Communication and Real Estate, indicating his broader interests beyond basketball.

39. Father's NFL experience and mother's basketball background have likely contributed to his strong work ethic and competitive drive.

40. Currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, continuing to develop his skills and contribute to the team as a defensive specialist and rim protector.

Jaxson Hayes: A Rising Star

Jaxson Hayes has shown immense potential as an NBA player. Born in Norman, Oklahoma, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, his journey from high school standout to professional athlete is impressive. With a towering height of 6'11" and a wingspan of 7'4", Hayes excels as a rim protector and lob target. His college career at the University of Texas earned him Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors, setting the stage for his NBA debut with the New Orleans Pelicans. Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Hayes continues to develop his skills, focusing on improving his toughness, reducing fouls, and enhancing his passing ability. Despite some challenges, his defensive prowess and ability to finish at the rim make him a valuable asset. With dedication and hard work, Hayes could become one of the top rim protectors in the league.