Hall of Fame
Hayes, a standout for Mount Olive men's basketball, helped lead the Trojans to three regular season championships (2008, 2009, 2010), two tournament titles (2008, 2010), and three NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
During his career, Mount Olive reached a program-best national ranking of No. 11 (2007-08) and recorded three 20-win seasons. Hayes earned numerous individual honors, including the 2012 Conference Carolinas Player of the Year, three All-Conference selections, and All-Region honors from both Daktronics and the NABC. He was also named to the NCCSIA All-State Team, earning the distinction as the only unanimous selection that year.
In his senior season, Hayes averaged 19.5 points and seven rebounds per game while ranking among the national leaders in field goal percentage (60.5%, 13th nationally) and scoring (35th nationally). He finished his career with 1,522 points and 662 rebounds, leaving his mark among the program's all-time greats. A two-time Pickle Classic Champion and the 2012 Mount Olive College Offensive Player of the Year, Hayes embodied excellence and sportsmanship, capped by receiving the prestigious Messick Award for Sportsmanship.
"I am extremely honored to be recognized and inducted into the 2025 UMO Hall of Fame," said Hayes. "The decision to commit to the University of Mount Olive has significantly impacted my life on and off the court. The memories made on the UMO campus were some of the best moments of my life."
