Hayes to team up with Steve Blake

By Dave Fawcett

Published: July 20, 2008

He's the player Eric Hayes grew up following whenever Hayes watched the University of Maryland's men's basketball team. And he's the player Hayes is most often compared to now that Hayes himself plays for the Terrapins.

So when looking for someone to teach him more about running Maryland's offense, playing the point or even preparing for the NBA, it made perfect sense for the Potomac High School graduate to enlist the services of Steve Blake.

"He's got the same type of game I have," said Hayes, who leaves Tuesday to spend 10 days working out with Blake in Portland, where Blake plays for the NBA's Trail Blazers. "He brings the same athleticism to his game like the way I play. He made it to the NBA with what he had. I can try and pick up some pointers and possibly do it myself."

It was Hayes' father Kendall who initially proposed the idea of Hayes spending time with Blake.

Originally, Hayes thought it would happen at a Maryland basketball camp where Blake has worked in the past. Hayes had met Blake a few times before in that setting.

After getting Blake's number from Terrapin head men's basketball coach Gary Williams, Kendall Hayes talked to Blake about a possible meeting. Blake was the one who suggested that Hayes instead come out to Portland and stay with him.

"I am going to stay in the guest house," said Hayes, who will be a junior this coming season.

Although Hayes has no set agenda for his time with Blake, he does want to pick Blake's brain about the point guard position.

Blake starred for four years at Maryland, including as a junior on the Terps' 2002 NCAA Championship team, and finished as the school's all-time leader in assists. He has played five seasons in the NBA.

At Maryland, the 6-foot-3 Blake displayed the same pass-first, score-second approach to the game that the 6-4 Hayes does.

In fact, when Hayes signed with Maryland, he was immediately linked with Blake.

"We're smart players, but not the most athletic," Hayes said. "But our smartness makes up for our lack of athleticism."

Hayes' role in the Maryland offense has switched back and forth. Sometimes, he's run the point, other times he's been expected to be more of a shooter, especially from outside.

Last season, in particular, Hayes was asked to step up more from the perimeter while Greivis Vasquez ran the offense. The strategy produced mixed results.

There were times when Hayes had standout performances from the field, but there were other times where he struggled to find a comfort zone as he tried to switch out of a point-guard mentality that has been his trademark during his basketball career.

Hayes finished the season averaging 9.9 points and 4.5 assists per game.

Hayes said he told Williams he wants to play the point more next season and Williams agreed with that.

"I am trying to do anything I can this summer to be in that position," Hayes said.