Jaxson Reed Hayes, born on May 23, 2000, is a towering figure in American professional basketball. Standing at an impressive 7 feet tall and weighing 220 lbs, Hayes currently plays as a power forward/center for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey to the NBA is marked by notable achievements, both on and off the court.
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Jaxson Hayes’ basketball journey began at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Remarkably, he experienced a significant growth spurt during his high school years, going from six feet tall as a freshman to an impressive 6’11” by the time he reached his senior year. This rapid physical development did not go unnoticed, and Hayes showcased his skills on the court, making a mark as a formidable player.
In 2018, Hayes participated in the Junior International Tournament (JIT) in Lissone, Italy, where he led Team Ohio to victory, securing their fifth title. As a senior in high school, he demonstrated his prowess by averaging an impressive 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks per game. His outstanding performance earned him a commitment to the University of Texas, where he would continue his basketball journey at the collegiate level.
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Jaxson Hayes College Career at the University of Texas
Hayes made an immediate impact during his freshman year at the University of Texas, showcasing his skills and athleticism on the court. In his debut season, he averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while boasting an outstanding 72.8% field goal percentage. His contributions did not go unnoticed, and he was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Despite facing challenges such as a knee injury during the Big 12 Tournament, Hayes demonstrated resilience and talent, solidifying his decision to declare for the NBA draft after his freshman year. His departure from college marked the end of his remaining three years of eligibility, but it opened the door to a new chapter in his basketball career.
Jaxson Hayes Professional Career with the New Orleans Pelicans
On June 20, 2019, Hayes was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. However, his draft rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he would begin his professional journey. His NBA debut for the Pelicans on October 10, 2019, was a promising start, scoring 19 points against the Golden State Warriors.
Throughout his tenure with the Pelicans, Hayes showcased his versatility and ability to make an impact on the court. He recorded double-doubles, set personal scoring records, and contributed significantly to the team’s performance. Notably, during the 2021-22 season, he experienced a shift in playing time, moving into the starting lineup and averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in the last 23 games of the season.
The Pelicans secured a playoff spot in the 2021-22 season, marking their first playoff appearance since 2018. However, their journey was cut short, losing to the Phoenix Suns in six games during the first round. Despite the challenges, Hayes’ performance was notable, with a particular highlight being his ejection in Game 3 for a flagrant 2 foul against Suns forward Jae Crowder.
Jaxson Hayes Personal Life
Jaxson Hayes comes from an athletic family background. His father, Jonathan Hayes, played in the National Football League (NFL) and later became the head coach of the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks. His mother, Kristi (Kinne), was a standout basketball player at Drake University, earning honorable mention Kodak All-American accolades and Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year honors during her senior year.
Hayes is one of four siblings, including Jillian, a varsity basketball player at Loveland High School committed to playing basketball at the University of Cincinnati. His other siblings are Jewett and Jonah. The influence of his family’s athletic background undoubtedly played a role in shaping Hayes’ own athletic journey.
Off-Court Challenges
While Hayes has experienced success on the basketball court, he faced a personal challenge in July 2021. The Los Angeles Police Department arrested him for resisting arrest during an investigation into a domestic dispute between Hayes and his girlfriend. The incident involved Hayes shoving an officer into a wall, leading to minor injuries. Despite this off-court setback, Hayes continues to navigate the challenges of both his personal and professional life.
Legacy and Recognition
Jaxson Hayes has left an indelible mark on the basketball world with his talent, determination, and resilience. From his high school days at Moeller to his standout freshman year at the University of Texas and his contributions to the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, Hayes continues to evolve as a player. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, the basketball community eagerly anticipates the further growth and achievements of this promising young talent.
Life Beyond Basketball: Family Ties and Personal Growth
Jaxson Hayes’ story extends beyond the basketball court, delving into the rich tapestry of his family life. Born to Jonathan Hayes, a former NFL tight end and XFL head coach, and Kristi (Kinne), a decorated collegiate basketball player, Hayes inherited a legacy of athleticism and sportsmanship. His mother’s achievements at Drake University, including being named Kodak All-American and Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, undoubtedly served as inspiration for his own journey.
Growing up with three siblings—Jillian, Jewett, and Jonah—Hayes experienced the camaraderie of a tight-knit family. Jillian, following in her older brother’s footsteps, emerged as a varsity basketball player at Loveland High School, committing to continue her basketball career at the University of Cincinnati. The Hayes family’s bond goes beyond shared genes; it is woven into the fabric of their collective passion for sports.
While the spotlight often shines on Jaxson’s achievements on the court, it is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role his family has played in shaping his character and work ethic. His father’s experiences in the NFL and coaching, coupled with his mother’s dedication as a collegiate athlete and coach, provided a foundation for Hayes to build upon as he navigated the challenging landscape of professional basketball.
Triumphs and Setbacks: Navigating the NBA
Jaxson Hayes‘ journey through the NBA has been a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and setbacks. From being selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA draft to having his rights traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, Hayes quickly found himself making an impact in the league. His debut for the Pelicans showcased his scoring prowess, setting the stage for what would be an eventful rookie season.
Hayes’ contributions did not go unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year during his time at the University of Texas. His transition to the professional stage saw him recording double-doubles, setting personal scoring records, and eventually earning a spot in the starting lineup for the Pelicans.
However, the path to success in the NBA is not without challenges. Hayes faced the trials of injuries, with a notable incident during the Big 12 Tournament in college and his ejection from a playoff game against the Phoenix Suns. These moments of adversity, though testing his resilience, also served as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Balancing Act: Professional Commitments and Personal Struggles
Beyond the confines of the basketball court, Jaxson Hayes faced a significant personal challenge in 2021. An incident involving a domestic dispute led to his arrest by the Los Angeles Police Department. The altercation, resulting in Hayes resisting arrest and sustaining minor injuries, shed light on the complexities of navigating life as a professional athlete.
These off-court struggles underscore the importance of the support system surrounding athletes, and in Hayes’ case, his family undoubtedly played a pivotal role during challenging times. While the incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and responsibilities that come with fame, it also presents an opportunity for personal growth and introspection.
A New Chapter: Los Angeles Lakers and Future Aspirations
As of the latest update, Jaxson Hayes has embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the prestigious Los Angeles Lakers. The move to one of the league’s iconic franchises signifies a fresh start for Hayes, offering him the chance to contribute to the Lakers’ storied legacy and further solidify his presence in the NBA.
As he dons the purple and gold jersey, Hayes carries with him the lessons learned from his journey—from Moeller High School to the University of Texas and the New Orleans Pelicans. The experience gained, both on and off the court, positions him as a valuable asset for the Lakers, who undoubtedly see potential in his athleticism, skills, and determination.
Legacy in the Making
Jaxson Hayes, at the age of 23, stands at the crossroads of a promising career. His legacy, still in the making, is a testament to his resilience, talent, and the unwavering support of his family. As he continues to navigate the challenges of professional basketball, both in competition and personal growth, the basketball community eagerly anticipates the chapters yet to be written in the story of Jaxson Reed Hayes.
From the towering heights of his physical stature to the heights he aims to reach in the NBA, Hayes’ journey is a compelling narrative of a young athlete striving for greatness. The legacy he leaves extends beyond the statistics on a basketball court; it encompasses the values instilled by his family, the lessons learned through triumphs and setbacks, and the growth that comes with navigating the complexities of life as a professional athlete.
As the basketball world watches the trajectory of Jaxson Hayes’ career, there is a sense of anticipation—an anticipation of witnessing the continued evolution of a player who, both on and off the court, embodies the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. The story of Jaxson Hayes is far from concluded, and the chapters yet to unfold are bound to captivate the hearts of basketball enthusiasts and inspire aspiring athletes for years to come.