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2019 NBA Draft: 5 reasons Jaxson Hayes should be first round pick

By Andrew Miller

(Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
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ˆNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 16: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball around Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heatat the Smoothie King Center on December 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
ˆNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 16: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball around Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heatat the Smoothie King Center on December 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

1. NBA ceiling

Last season, Texas basketball didn’t have much in the way of players that saw a fast rising NBA Draft stock at any point. Smart had a highly touted NBA prospect the entire way with Mohamed Bamba, but that was expected from day one of his arrival on campus. Hayes is bringing a new, and refreshing, narrative to the Texas basketball program this season.

Moreover, Hayes was one of the lowest rated recruits in the 2018 recruiting class for the Horns. He’s quickly proving that underrated prospects can make a huge impact early on, even in a conference with as much national recognition as the Big 12. Some national pundits are even including Hayes as a potential first round 2019 NBA Draft selection.

Bleacher Report included Hayes as one of its eight NBA Draft prospects that are rising quickly, as of early December. NBA Draft Room compares him to a more refined and coordinated JaVale McGee. They also gave his skill set a recognizable comparison to the defensive standout Miami Heat big man Hassan Whiteside.

Next. 3 biggest needs to fill for the 2019 Texas basketball recruiting class. dark

The latest 2019 NBA Draft Big Board from nbadraft.net posted Hayes among its top 40 prospects, and he’s continuing to rise very fast. A few other notable sources that recognized the rise of Hayes includes CBS Sports, ESPN, and NBC Sports. The national recognition of Hayes’ rise to prominence for the 2019 NBA Draft is a testament to the ceiling he shows with Texas and what NBA scouts know he can do at the next level.

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