Freshman point guard Hayes making immediate impact for Wolfpack

Coming into the season, NC State men’s basketball knew it would need big contributions from freshman point guard Cam Hayes sooner than later. It just probably didn’t expect to get the contributions he’s given quite so soon. 

Through the first two games of his career, Hayes has been quite impressive, putting up 17 total points and 10 assists in just 37 minutes.

“I’ve been tough on him,” said head coach Kevin Keatts. “Sometimes I ask myself, should I be tough on him because he’s a freshman? … He’s not sensitive, as a lot of the freshmen would be when you jump on them. He’s moving on to the next play. There was a stretch in the game where he kind of took the game over and made some great plays. That says a lot about him. But he’s maturing in front of us, he’s going to be a really good basketball player.”

Hayes didn’t need long to get over his first-game jitters, as his first collegiate points came on a steal and emphatic dunk in the Wolfpack’s win over Charleston Southern Wednesday night. 

“I was really anxious when coach Keatts called my name, but once I got out there on defense and I got that steal, a sigh of relief came when I got that bucket,” Hayes said. “After that, I was calm, but I was definitely anxious watching on the bench before I got in.”

While Hayes has shown his ability to attack in transition, most of his points have come via his impressive shooting, as he’s currently 7-for-13 from the floor on the season, including 6-for-8 in a 13-point outing against North Florida Friday night.

Hayes brings an impressive mid-range jump shot, with his smooth stroke sparking the Wolfpack’s offense on multiple occasions. He even knocked down the first 3 of his college career Friday night. 

“It was kind of a confidence thing,” Hayes said. “Last game, I played really hard but my shots weren't falling. Today, when I saw my shots were falling, it made me play even harder. Once the first went in I felt more confident shooting the ball today.” 

One worry with freshman point guards is the possibility of turnovers. Not so for Hayes, who has a sparkling 10-1 assist-to-turnover ratio so far. Hayes has displayed his playmaking ability, feeding the ball inside to the Wolfpack’s talented big men, while taking care of the basketball. 

“Cam is an unbelievable point guard,” said redshirt sophomore center Manny Bates. “He is a great facilitator. I think that is his best quality, his ability to be a willing passer at all times. I really like that about Cam.”

Obviously, Hayes’ output has not come against stellar competition thus far. But here’s the thing: it’s come in the first two games of his college career, without the benefit of a scrimmage or exhibition game. Hayes has looked poised, mature and confident. 

He’s not playing like a freshman. 

“I can make the right reads and I just try to make the right play every time I'm down and get my teammates involved,” Hayes said. “It is kind of slowing down for me. It is not really as fast as it was when I first got into practice and stuff. It really has slowed down a lot for me.”

And in NC State’s quest to replace Markell Johnson at point guard, that’s huge. Getting this kind of play from Hayes at point guard will have a ripple effect across the lineup. 

If he keeps playing like this, it stands to reason it won’t be long until he’s the starter at point guard. Senior Braxton Beverly, who’s off to an impressive start shooting the ball at 5-for-7 from 3-point land, has started both games at point guard. 

But, especially when ACC play rolls around, the Wolfpack’s offense is much more effective with Beverly playing off the ball at the 2 spot. Hayes continuing to play this well could allow that to happen. 

Keatts said throughout the offseason that the Pack would need its freshmen point guards to contribute. Through two games, Hayes has done that and then some.

The sample size remains small, but if Hayes can keep up this kind of play and force his way into the starting rotation, it could take the Wolfpack’s offense to new heights.

“I’m happy with where Cam’s at,” Keatts said. “I’m excited about him. He’s done a good job. He’s taken great coaching. He’s gotten better. He stays in the gym. And he’s going to be a really good basketball player for us.”