Given the fact that the next July Live Period is right around the corner, it feels like no better time to start introducing some of the players that college coaches should be monitoring. Currently amidst the busiest recruiting month of the year, our Hardwood Classic should be a hotbed for coaches and players alike. As usual, Phenom Hoops will have prospects of all levels in attendance. This series will continue by taking a closer look at Champ Hayden of Lions.
We’ve watched Hayden throughout the last calendar year, recently stating, “It all starts and ends with Champ Hayden. He’s a clear focal point for this group, both by example and through production, and provides nice leadership qualities. Hayden is a strong, physical guard prospect with a polished scoring arsenal and the ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. He gets downhill with relative ease, where he’s able to finish effectively through contact or set up his teammates for scoring chances. Hayden creates space well off the bounce, allowing him to hit jumpers with a high degree of difficulty while subsequently keeping defenders on their toes. He rebounds bigger than his size would imply and understands how to make hustle plays whenever possible. Hayden is a well-rounded athlete, active defender, and useful transition threat. He’s coming off a high school season where he averaged 21.7 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 1.8 SPG while shooting 49% from the floor and over doubling his production from his sophomore year.”
Since then, Hayden has only continued to find success—regardless of surrounding teammates. Whether with Team Snow, Anthony Morrow Elite, or the Lions, he’s been able to consistently produce. Hayden is a strong, polished guard prospect that possesses a quality blend of size, toughness, and creation ability. He scores the ball at a healthy rate from all three levels, but is arguably at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket. Hayden plays well through contact on both ends of the floor and utilizes his scrappy nature to overwhelm opponents defensively. He’s a willing passer and useful off-ball threat with an understanding of how to make the right play within the flow of the action. Hayden has the tools and mentality to play at the next level, so it’ll be interesting to see what programs get involved going forward. College coaches can see Hayden at the Phenom Hardwood Classic on July 14-16.