Chuck Hayes

9/26: "Hayes' dad, Charles, (gave) a thumbs up to his son's official campus visit to Mt. Oread (Kansas). Hayes, a 6-foot-6 forward from Modesto, Calif., did not commit to KU and still plans to visit UTEP this weekend, plus St. Louis (Oct. 6), Kentucky (Oct. 13) and Pepperdine (Oct. 20). Kansas remains at or near the top of the player's list." - KUSports.com

7/25: "Current leaders for the Modesto Christian standout include Arizona, UCLA, USC, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Pepperdine, UTEP, Kentucky, Kansas, Pacific, Saint Louis, San Diego State and has recently received phone calls from Duke, Florida State, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Michigan State, Northwestern, Iowa State, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Louisville, Cincinnati, Arkansas and Stanford. - FoxSports

7/20: "Word is UCLA is becoming more and more interested in Chuck Hayes of Oakland Slam and Jam. Stanford, Kansas, Cincinnati and Syracuse also like him. There's a lot to like. Hayes is a power forward with a wide body who can dominate the boards. Hayes isn't just a bruiser and can play either the 3 or 4. He works hard on both ends, runs the floor well and handles the ball effectively for a big man." - Sporting News

7/17: "Decked out in his army-fatigue warm up uniforms, Chuck Hayes looked like a soldier ready for battle. And he played that way, too. Hayes is a 6-foot-6 forward from Modesto, Calif., already recognized as a top prospect by Tubby Smith, Roy Williams, Bob Huggins and Lute Olsen, among others, "He has really elevated his play," said Brick Oettinger, of the Sporting News, "He may not be the best player out there, but he's one of the hardest working." Hayes was impressive on Sunday, displaying his athleticism before a large audience which included a number of Division I coaches. He also showed a soft touch from the outside, an area that he is working hard to improve, "That is something I intend to work really hard on this year as well as the rest of my overall game." Hayes grew up a college basketball fan and followed many teams, among them the Kentucky Wildcats, "I loved watching the Wildcats play. I especially enjoyed the team with Antoine Walker, Ron Mercer and Derek Anderson. Those guys could really play. I really liked what Mercer was able to do as a freshman. He really stepped up in the championship game. I loved that." When asked if he felt the style of his game was similar to any of those great players, he smiled, "I think I am a little like Antoine, but I have a little Derek Anderson in me too. But Antoine was a good passer, and he has that great fade away shot, like I like to use. I also model my game after Quentin Richardson. I think he led his team in his freshman year." With regard to his recruitment, Hayes indicates that Kentucky is very involved, "Yes, they are recruiting me pretty hard. You have to be flattered when a school like that comes after you. I have talked to Coach Smith on the phone and also Coach Felton. They seem really personable, which I like. They have approached me with open arms and seem genuinely interested in me and my game." When it comes to choosing a college, Chuck doesn't plan to rush things. He also does not plan to follow the route of so many other top prospects by leaving school early for the NBA, "I have to get that education. I am in it for four years, so it's important to make the right choice." Hayes plans to take many if not all of his visits, "I have seven schools I am considering right now and Kentucky is one that anyone would consider. I plan to take a visit with my friend (fellow Oakland Slam-N-Jam teammate) Demarshay Johnson in September. We are going to visit together. I am really looking forward to it." - Kentucky.rivals

7/17: "I looked hard for that "improved medium-range jumper," but it was not present on this day. In fact, I don't think Chuck took a shot outside the immediate vicinity of the basket. But he was impressive nonetheless. Yesterday, Hayes compared his own game to the likes of (Kentucky alums) Mercer, Anderson and Walker, but even as I noted what he was saying, a comparison of my own began to take form, a comparison on which I could not put my finger. But today, while watching Chuck go about his business, the comparison came to me - Gary Trent. You remember, Shaq of the Mac? Trent was an undersized power forward for Ohio University that pretty much dominated every opponent he faced, large or small. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Hayes is at that level already, but he is certainly on that path. At one point of his game today, Hayes received a poor entry pass that was knocked loose by a guard. The ball appeared to be stolen and the rest of Chuck's team began falling back. Hayes dove for the ball, grabbed at and was immediately trapped by three opposing players. With no where to go and no one to pass to, Hayes powered the ball up, which was blocked before leaving his hands by Houston's 6'9" center. Hayes lost control of the ball, but recovered it on the ground and went up again, powering the ball through the outstretched arms of that same defender for a score. Such is the game of Chuck Hayes. He also created great passes, including the highlight pass of the game, a 20-foot alley-oop to "Shay" Johnson for the slam. Hayes almost single-handedly led his team back from a 17-6 early deficit to a tie in a three-minute span." - Kentucky.rivals

7/17: "(Hayes and) Demarshay Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward/center from Oakland Tech High School in Oakland, Calif., says they plans to visit Kentucky this September with his Adidas Big Time Tournament teammate, Hayes. "We plan to visit together. I think it will be fun." Johnson says that he is very open about playing on the east coast or even the Midwest, "I just want to join a program that will be the best fit for me. If it's in Kentucky, that's fine and if it's close to home that's fine. I am not locked into just playing near home." Unlike his teammate, Chuck Hayes, Johnson isn't certain he'll be in college four years, "I don't know. It all depends on what the situation is. If I am ready early, I'll just have to consider my options. Right now I just want to help my team win this tournament and take it one day at a time." - Kentucky.rivals

7/16: "Hayes gets the nod as top power forward prospect in the camp based on his versatility and his effort. He's all over the floor, and though a little undersized for a PF, he efficiently moves his game outside when necessary, and is very tough on the boards. He answered a lot of questions with his outside shooting performance. Chuck told us that he's received scholarship offers from Kentucky, UTEP and USC, but Kansas, New Mexico, St. Louis, and UCLA called last month and seem interested." - AllStar Report, ABCD Report Card

7/14: Best PF at ABCD Camp. - All Star Report (PF ?)

7/13: "Chuck Hayes 6-6 Sr. SF Modesto Christian-Chuck arrived in LA from ABCD and looked bored at times or perhaps he was fatigued. I couldn't tell which. Either way, he needs to learn to play hard every play. This shortcoming was exposed when he was outplayed by Quemont Greer in a head to head battle. The fact is he is a high DI talent who is on virtually everyone's recruiting list. It's obvious that he is on a higher level here grabbing his usual rebounds with ease, blocking shots and finishing in the low box. He even handled the ball on occasion, penetrated and dunked on a few people. Chuck told me that his list of schools includes UTEP, UCLA, USC, Kentucky, Pepperdine, St. Louis, San Diego St. and Kansas. He was making arrangements to take an unofficial visit to Pepperdine while in LA. He will also visit UCLA and USC. Chuck plans to take official visits to UTEP, Kentucky, Kansas and St. Louis." - NorCalPreps

7/11: Averaged 9.4 RPG (second best) at the ABCD Camp.

7/10: Had second highest rating of all players at camp. Selected to the ABCD Senior All Star game. - Insiders Report

7/7: "CA WF Chuck Hayes is a physical presence on the wings. In his opening performance, it would tough to keep him on the bench for long. Hayes was sound defensively challenging a ton of shots and was smooth on offense. Shooting threes isn't his strong point, but he was hitting them on this day. This young man is about to open some eyes around the country." - Rivals100Hoops

5/31: "has been receiving quite a bit of recruiting attention this spring from some pretty elite colleges. Hayes said that he's pretty much narrowed his list to five schools. Well, maybe six. "I like Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, UTEP and Arizona," Hayes said. "And possibly USC." Hayes played in the Mats Madness tournament over Memorial Day weekend with his AAU team, Oakland Slam N' Jam. Hayes is a very good low post player, with the ability to seal off well in the block and take it to the basket strong. He's probably one of the best, if not the best, instinctual rebounders on the west coast. Hayes could project, down the line, as a small forward on the next level, but will have to continue to improve his perimeter skills. He handles the ball fairly well and, while he has a good-looking jump shot, it needs to go down quite a bit more often. Hayes will go to the adidas ABCD camp at the beginning of July where he'll compete with some of the best talent in the nation. "I'm really looking forward to it," Hayes said. "There's no better way to measure how good you are unless you play against the best." Hayes is also a standout football prospect. At 6-6 and 235 pounds, athletic, quick, and with good hands, he's could be an exceptional tight end. Hayes said, in fact, that one of his coaches indicated UCLA has contacted him about possibly playing both football and basketball in college. "Yeah, I like football, but I don't know if I want to play it in college," Hayes said. "I'll probably just stick to basketball, but I'm not completely sure." - PacWest Hoops

5/10: "I have had the opportunity to discuss Chuck at great length with Tracy Pierson from Pacwest Hoops. Tracy has had the opportunity to see Chuck a number of times and ranks him as a Top 5 or Top 10 wing Forward in the nation and #2 on the west coast. Tracy says, "Chuck can play inside and board like a power forward, but he can hit the outside J with some regularity, handle the ball and pass like a guard." Chuck is almost legendary for his rebounding prowess for a 6'6" man. His nose for the board gives him an added dimensions that makes him very attractive to schools who could use some rebounding from the 3 spot. I had a chance to speak with Chuck Monday night, and here is a portion of our conversation:
Marc: "What schools are you currently considering?" Chuck: "UK, Arizona, Kansas, UCLA, UTEP, USC" Marc: "Let's start with Kentucky...What are your thoughts on that school?" Chuck: "UK is the #1 program in the history of college basketball. I like the style of play and the way the players seem to relate to Coach Smith. I have loved UK since I was little and once I found out that they may have some interest, well, that was just icing on the cake. It is a well run program that I have always admired." Marc: "Kansas?" Chuck: "One of my good friends, Andrew Gooden, goes to Kansas. We spent some time together last summer and had fun. Roy Williams always seems to keep his composure and seems to have a tough, "hard-nosed" love for his players." Marc: "Is distance a factor?" Chuck: "No, not at all. I will go anywhere." Marc: "What do you consider the strengths of your game?" Chuck: "My ability to rebounds the basketball, for sure. I have good low post moves but can also hit the 18 foot jump shot. That allows me to pump fake the shot and drive to the basket. But mostly, my strength is rebounding." Marc: "Have you worked on your rebounding, or is it a natural thing?" Chuck: "Since I can remember, like back in 5th grade, I have always been a great rebounder. I just have a knack for getting loose balls." Marc: "Do you see yourself as a PF or a SF?" Chuck: "I may grow to 6'7" or 6'8", and then I would be a more effective power forward, but right now, I see myself as a small forward. I will be able to be a great rebounder from the 3 spot and I don't think most 3's I will be going up against will be as big as I am. Marc: "As a small forward, most college forwards are looked at to provide perimeter scoring. Do you see your jumpshot as a strength, weakness, or average?" Chuck: "Probably average. I am working very hard to improve my jumpshot so I will be more effective as a small forward." Marc: "How about perimeter defense?" Chuck: "I love to play defense. I am always trying to improve on defense, but I think my perimeter defense is better than my post defense right now. I have a knack for constantly moving my feet. I hate to stay stationary, no matter where I am on the court." Marc: "What do you consider you weaknesses?" Chuck: "Well, my ball handling is pretty good and I pass well. I would like to get better court vision so I can deliver great passes. I love to get my teammates involved. I would have to say perimeter scoring and defense are the weakest areas." Marc: "Is immediate playing time a big factor for you?" Chuck: "I would like to have the opportunity to compete for playing time my first year. I don't want to go into a situation knowing that I will be sitting my freshman year. However, If I don't earn my time in practice, then I don't expect to be on the court in the game. I just want the opportunity to earn my time." Marc: "Have you looked at UK's roster to determine whether you would fit in at UK?" Chuck: "My freshman year would be Tayshaun's senior year, and Bogans would be a junior. That would give me some great players to learn from and give the team great leadership." Marc: "With the recent trend for top players to leave early for the NBA, are you hopeful that those players at UK stay to play with you or leave to give you more time to show your skills?" - Duke.Rivals.com

4/26: "has a pretty good-sized list of schools at this stage in his recruitment. He recently listed Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA, Cincinnati, San Diego State, Stanford, Syracuse, UTEP, and Pacific. But some good sources say that Hayes, right now, if he had to pick, would choose Kentucky. Now, the word is also that, after Kansas coach Roy Williams visited a practice about a month ago, Hayes' parents strongly prefer Kansas. It's pretty clear that, as of now, Kentucky and Kansas are the schools to beat. - PacWest Hoops

4/15/00 - Roy Williams has been to see him play several times in recent tourneys. - from a Kansas site

3/24/00 - Hayes averaged 26 points and 16 rebounds a game this past season. He had 31 points and 28 rebounds in one game. "He is a very good athlete -- strong and relentless when it comes to rebounding," Mark Mayamura of recruitingusa.com said. "He really gets after it." Hayes plays for the Oakland Slam and Jam AAU team. - from a Kansas based site