Offense
Strengths
• Can play down low or on the perimeter
• Has become a more consistent perimeter shooter and has increased his range
• Good shot selection
• Finishes strong at the rim
Weaknesses
• His jumper release is a bit slow – may have trouble getting it off at next level
• Average quickness and leaping ability
• Game is still more suited for the post, but he is undersized
Defense
Strengths
• High energy defender
• Boxes out well, strong hands – rebounds well in traffic
• Does the little things well
• Physical enough to guard in the post
Weaknesses
• Perimeter defense needs to be improved – used to defending down low
• Needs to be more aggressive on the defensive end – contest more shots
Analysis
Hayward is another example of a great team basketball player. When Marquette was dominated by the guard trio of Matthews, McNeal and James, he was content to be the down-low presence, and when they graduated, he took over as the team leader and developed a more perimeter/slashing presence. On offense, he is much more skilled playing down low, but he has improved his perimeter shooting to the point where you need to guard him out there. While not very quick, he finds holes in the defense and exploits other team’s weaknesses. On defense, he is a high energy presence, providing of all of the little things – help defense, strong rebounding, and taking charges – which make the team look good. Since he projects as a small forward at the next level, he needs to improve his perimeter defense and lateral movement. Like his former teammate Matthews, there should be a place for him at the next level, its just a matter of finding the right fit.
- Ed Isaacson
