Meet Marques Hayden; Plus: U-M Target Picks School
The July Evaluation Period allowed college coaches to get a better look at prospects, as well as to demonstrate their interest by attending recruits' games. One of the players U-M got a better look at is combo forward Marques Hayden of Oklahoma City (Okla.) High, and the Wolverines liked what they saw.
Hayden told The Wolverine on Friday that he is considering Oklahoma State, Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa State, and Kentucky. "(Oklahoma State) and Michigan are my top two," he said.
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Although Hayden's height -- he is generally listed at 6-6 or 6-7 -- would seem more like a wing's, his 220-pound frame can bang inside, and many July observers came away feeling that he is more natural as a power forward. Prep Spotlight recently compared him to a "young Charles Barkley," saying, "Hayden is a kid that on paper may not sound like a big time Power Forward at only 6'6, but when he steps on the court you just can't stop him."
But Hayden said that those who felt they were watching a power forward probably only saw him with his Athletes First AAU team, where three bigger teammates -- Julius Lamptey (6-11, 255), Shelden Williams (6-9, 225), and Kevin Bookout (6-8, 250) -- ensure that Hayden always has a size advantage in his matchups. "When I have a smaller guy on me, I'll post him up," Hayden said.
One of those following Hayden's every move is a former All-American point guard from Duke, Michigan head coach Tommy Amaker. But Hayden does not seem to mind.
"I love Tommy Amaker," he said. "What really turned me on to him was (former U-M center) Tim McCormick, who runs the NBA (Players Association) Camp."
Hayden is also familiar with a couple of players who have already committed to Michigan; he called 6-3 point guard Daniel Horton "a real smart guard" and said, "Lester Abram is a good friend of mine."
July wore out everyone involved in its frenetic stream of camps and tournaments. Hayden has unofficially visited Oklahoma State, but he has yet to visit other schools on his list, including Michigan. Rather than race to cram school visits into his August calendar, though, he says, "I'm going to take a break." After his high school year resumes, Hayden plans to check out Michigan. "I'm going to go an official visit," he said.
Hayden has emerged as a serious recruiting target of the Wolverines' with his strong July performance, and will be one for U-M fans to watch as his recruitment progresses.
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In other news, 6-8 power forward Ricky Cornett of Homewood (Ill.) Christian has committed to Notre Dame, he told Blue Chip Hoops. Cornett had been a target of the Wolverines' through the spring, but the Irish have always looked very strong in his recruitment.
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