Recruiting Report: Hayden Federico (2018)
T.J. Rushing
As he heads into his senior season with Hayden, 6-foot-5 forward Hayden Federico brings with him one NAIA offer, and has some things to prove.
Avila University is the first program which has offered the versatile stretch-four, and it's his goal this winter to nab some more offers, and showcase his improving versatility as a player.
He laid out his current recruitment situation and goals during our recent phone interview.
“Last year, I went to a visit to Washburn, and talked to their coach. And this summer, I talked with the Avila coach, and they offered me. And I've gotten some stuff from Simpson in Iowa,” said Federico.
“I'm pretty much just hoping that I can keep working on my outside game and show coaches and colleges that I can work the inside and rebound, and guard the post. But that also I have range, and can be an outside threat, too.”
The talented senior, Kansas' 29th-ranked 2018, mentioned his playing style, strengths and weaknesses.
“What I focus on is crashing the boards and getting rebounds, and then working the post,” said Federico. “I've been working on mid-range shots, and that's what I've been focusing on most this summer.”
He was working on that mid-range and perimeter skill-set with one of the state's best grassroots teams, SSA Elite 17U.
“I definitely worked on my jump-shot and mid-range, and mostly my shot more than my post game, because that's where I see myself playing (is out on the perimeter),” said Federico.
“And It went a lot better than what I was hoping for. I got a lot better as an outside player, rather than just working in the paint.”
With his senior season quickly approaching, Federico says the expectations are high for the Wildcats.
“This season, we're a senior-led team and we're expecting big things,” he said. “I see myself as mostly working to get rebounds and playing more inside defenders, because we don't have a lot of size.”
