Recruiting Report: PJ Hayes (2020)
PJ Hayes has been one of the most productive players in the 2020 class, and he’s turned into one of the best wing prospects in the 2020 class as well. Hayes, a 6-foot-4 wing from Waconia, is playing AAU ball…
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Continue ReadingPJ Hayes has been one of the most productive players in the 2020 class, and he’s turned into one of the best wing prospects in the 2020 class as well.
Hayes, a 6-foot-4 wing from Waconia, is playing AAU ball with Comets De Los Reyes again this summer after playing with Fury last summer. He’s looking forward to playing a key role on a team that figures to be one of the best 17U teams in the state.
“I played two years ago with DeLo then took a little break and I wanted to play with him again,” said Hayes. “I played against a handful of these guys during the year. I’ve played against Caleb Druvenga for a long time. The rest of the guys I think I’ve just seen them around AAU in other years. So far, this team is the best one I think I’ve ever been on. As long as we figure out our defense and learn how to play. Once we get our chemistry down, I think we’ll definitely be one of the top teams in Minnesota.”
Hayes was a scoring machine in his junior year at Waconia, averaging better than 23 points per game while connecting on better than 40 percent of his 3-pointers. He’s a big, strong wing who uses his size and strength to get to his spots on the floor. He uses screens well and has a quick, effortless shot from deep.
With this Comets team though, Hayes doesn’t have to be the go-to scoring option. He’s viewing that as a positive.
“Last weekend I really figured out what I should do if I’m not scoring,” said Hayes. “I wasn’t scoring like I do for my winter team but I kind of figured out of how to impact the game. I just want to focus on winning. If that means I pass, I’ll pass. If it means I have to play great defense, I’ll play defense. If that means scoring, then I’ll score.”
Hayes has drawn a lot of college interest at this point and with a strong summer, the offers should continue to roll in.
“That’s the goal, I’m really trying to work hard enough so that I don’t have to pay for college,” Hayes said. “I want to play college ball. [I’ve heard] mostly Division II schools. West Texas I’ve talked to a lot. Duluth, St. Cloud State, Mankato, Winona; a lot of those local DIIs.”