Texas Basketball: 3 most underrated players of the 2010’s

There is a big different in the career plot lines between Ridley and fellow former Longhorns big man Jaxson Hayes. While both Ridley and Hayes were underrated recruited, the latter of the two could go on to have a very successful NBA career. At the moment, Hayes is developing alongside the likes of former Duke Blue Devils star forward Zion Williamson and Virginia Tech Hokies guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans.

But Hayes was an unheralded four-star recruit coming onto the Forty Acres, that Smart did well getting in on early. The ultra-athletic and bouncy 6-foot-11 and 220 pound power forward/center is a native of Loveland, OH, and a product of Cincinnati Moeller High School.

Hayes played in 32 games during his true freshman campaign (2018-19 season) for the Longhorns. He wound up starting in 21 of those games once Smart realized that he was a better fit as the starting four or five instead of Dylan Osetkowski or Jericho Sims. Hayes averaged 10.0 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.2 blocks.

But his numbers per 100 possessions were where Hayes truly shined. He averaged 25.8 points per 100 possessions, 12.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and a whopping 5.7 blocks. That went along with a sparkling 138.7 offensive rating/95.6 defensive rating. Hayes also registered a very solid 73.9 true shooting percentage, 10.1 box plus/minus rating, and .230 win shares per 40 minutes.

For his efforts as a freshman during the 2018-19 season, Hayes would earn himself All Big-12 Second-Team honors, Big-12 Defensive Team selection, and win the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year award. Oh, and it’s worth mentioning that he led all of Division 1 eligible players in true shooting percentage that season.