By now you likely know the story — with three committed players in its 2020 class all fitting the shooting guard/wing description, Indiana needs to add some ball handling and size to the group.
Although Indiana has just one open scholarship remaining in its 2020 class, head coach Archie Miller indicated in a recent media availability that he would consider over-signing for the right players.
Chances are, a top 30 overall player, and a top five point guard would fall under that description.
According to a report by Jake Weingarten of Stock Risers, Indiana is pursuing point guard Cam Hayes.
Monday is the first day of the latest college basketball recruiting live period, and IU was on hand to watch Hayes.
Florida State, Indiana, and Maryland, checked out newly minted 2020 guard Cam Hayes this morning, a source told @Stockrisers. Other programs expected in throughout the week. College decision expected soon. https://t.co/ZkpwYTgapI
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) September 9, 2019
For the second time in the last few weeks, it appears that new assistant coach and former IU player Mike Roberts is delivering on his connectivity in the state of North Carolina.
Roberts was formerly an associate head coach at UNC Greensboro. Two weeks ago the Hoosiers offered Raleigh, N.C. product Carter Whitt. Now the Hoosiers seem to be making a push for someone in Roberts’ former backyard.
Hayes is from Greensboro, playing his high school basketball at Greensboro Day School.
Another factor that likely convinced Indiana to get into the mix was Hayes’ now official decision to reclassify into the class of 2020.
It will be an uphill climb for IU against competition that is more established in Hayes’ recruitment.
North Carolina State, Louisville and Maryland are the perceived leaders, and all three will either host or have already hosted Hayes on official visits this month.
At the same time, Indiana’s relatively late involvement suggests that Hayes’ recruitment is still open and the Hoosiers have a shot to gain traction here. Maryland only recently got involved with Hayes’ recruitment and were able to secure one of his official visits this month.
Tennessee had an official visit scheduled with Hayes for this weekend, but according to Weingarten’s report, the Volunteers are no longer in contention here. That should leave two official visits open with a decision coming in the next month or two.
If IU can close ground quickly on Hayes they will be doing something that the 6-foot-3 point guard does best — play fast.
Hayes is known for his elite speed pushing the tempo, something that is invaluable in the Big Ten to break down defenses before they get set up. Other descriptions of Hayes have included long, athletic, outstanding lateral quickness, plays both ends, dangerous in the pick and roll, and strong on the pull-up jump shot.
Hayes leads one of the top high school programs in North Carolina. The Bengals have won 11 state independent school championships since 1989.
During spring and summer AAU action Hayes played up a year for North Carolina based Team CP3 on the Nike EYBL circuit.
In 29.5 minutes of action per game, Hayes averaged 13.6 points on 40.1% shooting from the field overall, including 31.6% from behind the three point line.
Hayes added 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 turnovers, and 1.7 steals per contest.
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