Atlanta Hawks Must Avoid Improper Fit Jaxson Hayes

2 of 5

Atlanta Hawks, Jaxson Hayes #10 of (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

NCAA Production

Jaxson Hayes began his freshman season as a backup center for Texas head coach Shaka Smart. He came off the bench for the first 11 games of the season, before earning a starting nod. By seasons end, Jaxson had started 21 games, including all 18 of the Longhorns Big 12 Conference games. He did not produce eye-popping numbers, posting season averages of just ten points and five rebounds per game. His best production came as a shot blocker, averaging 2.2 blocks per contest.

The most marquee matchup that Jaxson Hayes participated in, was in the SEC / Big 12 Challenge against the our local team, the Georgia Bulldogs. In that game, Hayes went head to head with UGA center Nicolas Claxton. Hayes scored 14 points in the contest on 7/11 shooting. He had three rebounds, 0 assists and two blocked shots.

Nicolas Claxton did not have much difficulty scoring on the defensive specialist. He posted 18 points while making 6/9 shot attempts. He also knocked down the only three-point basket he attempted. Claxton was a perfect 5/5 from the free throw line as well. He also beat Hayes on the boards by pulling down seven. Additionally the UGA center added four assists, three steals and one blocked shot. The end result was Jaxson Hayes fouling out and the Georgia Bulldogs defeating Texas 98 to 88. For a complete box score of the Georgia Bulldogs win click here.

Jaxson Hayes also saw time against Daniel Gafford of Arkansas, who is expected to be a late first round pick this year. Hayes did not fare well, being whistled for more fouls (three), than points scored (two). Gafford had 20 points and 12 rebounds, but Texas won the game by two points. I won’t fault Jaxson for that though, as it was just his second college game. He only saw 16 minutes of action as a reserve in the matchup. Hayes played well enough for the season, to win the Big 12 Freshman of the Year Award. In addition he was named Second Team All Big 12 and to the All Big 12 Defensive Team.

Stats: PPG:10 REB:5 ORB:1.8 DRB:3.3 BLK:2.2 STL:0.6 AST:0.3 FG%:72.8 3P%:0 FT:74

Stadium gives us a complete highlight reel of Jaxson Hayes, in his lone season with the Texas Longhorns from their YouTube channel:

Home/Atlanta Hawks