Biography On Chuck Hayes (Former Kentucky Basketball Player)

Chuck Edward Hayes, Jr. was born June 11, 1983 in San Leandro, California. He was a basketball star out of Modesto Christian High School out of Modesto, California. Chuck is currently starter for the NBA's Houston Rockets as he fills in at center in place of the NBA All-Star Yao Ming. Hayes is the shortest ever center to play the position in NBA history but his work ethic and desire to win lets him hold his own vs the bigs in the NBA. The traits of Hayes we all loved during his tenure as a Wildcat has followed him to the NBA where he is having a solid NBA career.
High School Career
Coming out of high school, he was named Mr. Basketball of the State of California in 2001. He was also named a Parade All-American. Chuck Hayes was recruited by Kansas and Kentucky but when Kansas wasn't sure if they wanted to offer him a scholarship, Tubby Smith quickly offered him a basketball scholarship and Hayes accepted the offer.
Collegiate Career
Chuck Hayes was instantly a fan-favorite of the Big Blue Nation since day one. During his freshman season he contributed 188 points and 143 rebounds. His contributions during his freshman season earned him All-SEC Freshman Team Honors in 2002. Hayes played all 36 games in his sophomore season with 310 points and 244 rebounds. Chuck Hayes as a Junionr emerged as one of the team's leaders. He scored 342 points and grabbed 260 rebounds and earned All-SEC 2nd Team (Coaches) and 3rd Team(AP); as well as All-SEC Tournament. Hayes senior season was his best yet. In 34 games, he had 371 points and 263 rebounds. He lead the Cats all the way to the Elite 8 in which they lost to Michigan State ending a fabulous 4-year run with the Cats. He earned All-NCAA Regional Team Honors in 04-05 as well as All-SEC (First Team (AP & Coaches). Hayes played with many future pros during his Wildcats career including Keith Bogans, Gerald Fitch, Erik Daniels, Randolph Morris, Joe Crawford, Tayshaun Prince, and Kelenna Azubuike. During 4 years, he compiled a record of 87-15 (.853), and earned final AP rankings in the polls of 1st, 2nd and 7th. Hayes finished his career at Kentucky ranking 7th all time in rebounds, 8th in steals, 9th in blocked shots, and 35th in points. He also tied Alex Groza for the Kentucky record for most consecutive starts with 110.
USA Basketball
Hayes was a member of the USA Team in the 2003 Pan American Games. He was a starter in 5 games and lead his team with 7.6 rebounds. They finished 4th in the tournament with a 2-3 record.
Professional Career
Hayes went undrafted in the 2005 NBA Draft but became an undrafted free agent. He signed with the Houston Rockets and played some preseason games but got cut. He then was selected 6th in the 2005 NBA Developmental League Draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. He led the league with 12.2 rebounds per game while he was in the D-League. Hayes signed a 10-day contract with the Houston Rockets on January 18, 2006. Later than month on January 28th, the Rockets announced that they would sign Hayes for the remainder of the season. During his rookie season, the Rockets traded for Keith Bogans and Gerald Fitch reuniting with Hayes for the the first time since their playing days at Kentucky. Hayes has a shoe endorsement deal with Chinese athletic apparel company Li Ning that was signed in 06 valued at about $5 million. Hayes has a trademark free throw shooting form that he delays the release on his jumpshots and free throws kind of like having a hitch in his shot delaying it from going in quicker. Hayes remains with the Houston Rockets to this day.

Personal Life
Hayes became a father on April 21st, 2007. His girlfriend, Nicole Anderson, gave birth to their son, Dorian Titus Hayes. That same day Hayes made first career playoff start and recorded first playoff victory as well. Hobbies Chuck Hayes has are singing, acting, and poker.