Eric Hayes cannot avoid the comparisons. With his close-cropped haircut and skinny yet well-defined 6-foot-3 frame, the Maryland freshman point guard bears a striking resemblance to a player who helped lead the Terrapins to a national championship in 2002.
“He reminds me of when Steve Blake was freshman,” said Maryland head coach Gary Williams without being asked directly. “Steve as a freshman wasn’t what he was as a senior. There’s a growing period there. When freshmen play, that means that they’re good players and hopefully that means they’ll improve each year so they get to where Steve Blake got to.”
Now a third-year pro, Blake averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 assists last season for the Milwaukee Bucks.
With two starts and 16 assists in Maryland’s two exhibition games, Hayes is already exhibiting that kind of promise. His ball-handling and skills at point guard lets senior D.J. Strawberry make plays from his natural position on the wing, something he couldn’t do as frequently last season.
“[Hayes at point] allows me to roam around the court more freely and not really have to think a lot on the court and just react to things that happen,” said Strawberry. “I’m thankful to have him, and the team’s thankful to have him. He’s been good for us so far. Hopefully he can keep it up.”
When the Dumfries native and Potomac (Va.) High graduate committed to Maryland two years ago, his goal was to get on the court. With a likely start in the Terrapins season opener tonight, Hayes already needs to start re-evaluating his goals.
“My goal two years ago was just to come in and play,” Hayes said. “I think one of my goals now is to just establish myself, be able to compete and play with these guys.”
2K Sports College Hoops Classic
» Where: Comcast Center, College Park
» When: Tonight
New Orleans vs. Vermont, 5:30; Maryland vs. Hampton, 8:30
