Killian Hayes is considered one of the top European prospects of his generation. He had a good showing at Basketball Without Borders despite sitting out the final day. With good creativity and perimeter skills, Hayes was arguably the top guard prospect in the camp.
NBADraft.net: What did you think of the camp and NBA All Star Weekend?
Killian Hayes: It was a fun experience playing against the best around the world. It was pretty nice. Then me, I got hurt with my tendonitis, so I didn’t play the final day because it was a little sore, so I’m kind of disappointed and frustrated because I wanted to play and show myself. Then All Star weekend is pretty nice, we get to see everything for real. It’s pretty cool.
NBADraft.net: Has tendonitis bothered you in the past?
Killian Hayes: It’s been a few weeks now because I’m still growing a lot. They’re like growing pains and I practice a lot so these two is not a good match, so it’s kind of hurting.
NBADraft.net: How do you like Los Angeles?
Killian Hayes: It’s like my third time coming to LA, always nice. Good weather, seeing all the stars up at the game. I thought that was pretty cool.
NBADraft.net: The first time I saw you play was at the Jordan Brand Classic, how have you improved since then?
Killian Hayes: Since then, I’ve been working on my shot. Working on my IQ, like finding my teammates. I’ve been working on that.
NBADraft.net: Do you get to watch a lot of NBA games?
Killian Hayes: I watch highlights of my favorite players like (James) Harden, Lou Williams. These players I watch a lot.
NBADraft.net: Do you have a favorite team?
Killian Hayes: I have favorite players, not a favorite team.
NBADraft.net: Do you have a player you try to emulate?
Killian Hayes: Manu Ginobili. He’s a lefty, I like what he’s doing.
NBADraft.net: He’s very creative.
Killian Hayes: Yeah, I like his movement.
NBADraft.net: Who did you feel like stood out other than yourself?
Killian Hayes: Sekou (Doumbouya) is always loud, always cheering on everyone. On the court, always plays hard. Josh (Green), with his athleticism is a high flyer. Luka (Samanic), that was my first time seeing Luka, he’s pretty good. And all the big men, (N’Faly) Dante, the guy who won MVP (Charles Bassey).
NBADraft.net: Who would you say is the best you’ve ever played against?
Killian Hayes: That’s a good question. I actually don’t know. Maybe…I have no clue.
NBADraft.net: Do you follow college basketball at all?
Killian Hayes: I do yeah, Trae Young. I watch his crazy stuff, he goes off.
NBADraft.net: Do you have a favorite college team?
Killian Hayes: No, not really.
NBADraft.net: If I’m an NBA GM and I draft you, what am I getting?
Killian Hayes: A (player with a) high motor. Always wanting to stop the person on defense. Transition offense and I can also find my teammates and create for myself.
NBADraft.net: When did you become serious about your basketball career?
Killian Hayes: When I saw my Dad play. When he was playing pro, I was always at his games, looking at him and I wanted to be in his place.
NBADraft.net: So, he’s been a big influence on you?
Killian Hayes: Yeah, always. All my life. He’s trained me since I was a little kid, so yeah.
NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Killian Hayes: Hopefully in the NBA playing, an All-Star, and French National Team Olympics. All that.
