Tiffany Hayes, Senior, Guard, UCONN
Overview:
The role of wearing the number three at UCONN in women’s basketball is not an easy one. Tiffany Hayes was given this opportunity to be the first number three since Diana Taurasi wore it from 2001-04. Hayes has steadily improved her play every year since arriving at UCONN to live up to this expectation. After a quiet freshman year, Hayes cemented a regular spot in the starting lineup as a sophomore starting 37 of 39 games, averaging 10.2 points per game, and posting 21 double-figure scoring performances.
In 2010-11, Hayes was a First-team All-Big East Selection; she took her scoring up to 13.7 ppg, and also her ability to get to the foul line shot up with 173 free throw attempts. Hayes also had her career high of 32 points against Holy Cross, and helped lead the Huskies to the National Semifinal against Notre Dame where they came up short in their quest for 3rd straight national championship.
Final Projection:
Hayes, now will get her chance to have the leadership mantle for UCONN, thanks to the graduation of Maya Moore. She has the athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions. Look for Tiffany Hayes to put together a strong senior season, and get UCONN back to a Final Four and try to get that loss to Notre Dame avenged. Tiffany should easily be drafted by the middle of the first round come draft day in April 2012.
