Keith Hayes II (178-PG, college: William Jewell) is a 178cm guard from Little Rock, Arkansas that is playing his second season with the Accent Baskets Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga).In 21-22 he played with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 10.8ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 86.4%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Germany-2.Regionalliga) averaging 30.6ppg and in his second season averaged 28.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 52.2%, FT-9 (97.1%. He began his basketball career with McClellan High School and then played a season at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) playing 23 games averaging 6.1ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.5%. He then transferred to Panola College (JUCO) playing 35 games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 81.4%. he then finished school at William Jewell College (NCAA2) averaging 18.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 85.0% as a junior and as a senior averaged 21.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 87.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his career.

Keith thanks for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your third season with Accent Baskets Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga). Is it fair to say that Salzkotten has become like a second home to you?

Yes I’m very familiar with the Salzkotten area, team and management. We had a great season last year and I felt it was the right decision to return.

What has been so special playing with the Accent Baskets Salzkotten (Germany-Regionalliga)?

I think our (players) chemistry on the court plus the relationships off the court are special, this makes us a close group of teammates. Coach Martin is doing a nice job of preparing us to be ready to play, while management is good and reliable. Also, the atmosphere is nice from the amazing supportive fans.

The club moved up to the Regionalliga this season. How confident are you that the club will remain in the Regionalliga?

I believe we have a good chance to stay in the league. Our goal is to make the playoffs and defend home court. I’m confident that coach will prepare us and we will be ready to compete each weekend.

You came late to the Sunking Saarlouis in the 21-22 season. What memories will you always have playing with Mr Regionallia Ricky Easterling?

I will remember how serious Ricky focused on his preparation and details of the game. I was able to take away from this and saw how he translated things to the games.

Despite all the turbulence that the world experienced with COVID how blessed were you to be playing professional basketball again with SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Germany-Regionalliga)

I was very blessed, fortunate and grateful to be able to play professional basketball with the state of what our world was in. Faith in Christ comes 1st in my life and I know without him nothing is possible.

How did you experience COVID-19 in the States? What do you feel was the most challenging thing that you faced in this time on a daily basis on and off the court?

I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and COVID-19 slowed things down a lot in the state over the Spring and everyone was in quarantine mode. I used this time to connect with family and take a mental break from society. The most challenging thing was finding gym time or a place to work out and stay active. I like to plan and have a routine and this was difficult to do during this time. So the biggest challenge was staying in shape and active

Some players had no difficulty staying in shape and finding court time while other guys struggled. How was it for you? Were you able to do all the things you normally can during COVID-19 or was it more of a challenge?

In Arkansas it was tough and gym space was limited. I would go to an outside park and shoot by myself but I found a private gym in Kansas City, Missouri area where I graduated college and moved there and began to train again with former coaches and trainers.

How do you feel did COVID-19 make you stronger as a man?

I grew a lot more in my Faith in Christ and allowed me to have more time to reflect on life. I was able to rekindle relationships with my immediate family that I was not able to do once I was in college and moved away a lot. Also, made me think outside the box more and grind harder, smarter and be more appreciative of normal daily life that we take for granted.

Congrats on winning the Regionalliga 2 title with SG MTV/BG Wolfenbuettel (Germany-Regionalliga). What was so special about that team that enabled you to do amazing things on the court?

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Thanks! Our team was special last season and we had a goal, worked hard and stayed focused all season. Chemistry and roles were the reason we played well last year, I believe everyone just

wanted the best for the team. Coach kept us hungry and never satisfied. My teammates came prepared and we just wanted to do something special for the city. I will remember this team forever.

What kind of an experience was it being the lone American on a team that had only Germans? How do you feel did you grow as a leader in the championship season?

It was definitely an adjustment but there were people in management who were doing their best to make me feel as comfortable as possible of the court and my teammates included me in everything and we bonded well on and off the court. My roommate Mirko Derek from Croatia taught me a lot about Europe and Germany as well. I am naturally a leader by example and as the season went on and my teammates gained trust in me, I showed them mutual respect and they respected me as well. Also, my teammate Henja Galapagos was someone I learned a lot from on and off the court. He was my Vet and I learned how to be more of a floor general and control the game. Off the court he constantly invited me to things and offered me things as well. He showed me a lot of German lifestyle.

You averaged 30,0ppg as a rookie. Did it at times feel like you were a man among kids in this league just the way you dominated?

It was fun for sure! I was taught that you get out what you put in and to always respect the game. It was odd at times because I was often the youngest on the court but the best perhaps. I have played high level basketball since I was about 8 years old, but the people we played last year this wasn’t the case always so I just did what I was supposed to do and not play down to the level because I have dreams of playing in the NBA one day so I know it starts here for my professional career.

You scored 40 points in the first game in the Regionalliga. What have you seen to be the biggest difference for you personally in both leagues?

Yes, another fun game and testament to the work I put in this summer as well. So far, this league has better overall basketball players and is more physical.

You’re a 178cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say Isaiah Thomas (Celtics), Brandon Jennings. I like Isolation ball and I’m left handed so James Harden.

In the last years you have turned into an explosive scorer. This transformation occurred at William Jewell College (NCAA2). What do you feel was most responsible for you making such a huge jump as a scorer?

I was an explosive scorer out of high school but I believe my first 2 years of college I was in systems and in situations where I wasn’t allowed to play my game and be myself so my window of opportunity was smaller. The biggest reason I chose to go to Jewell was because the coaching staff understood and wanted me to play my game and be the explosive scorer I am.

Obviously you are a great scorer, but what other attributes do you feel does your game showcase?

I see myself as a playmaker as well. I am unselfish and I want to make the right, high percentage play. I can control tempo and my on ball defense is pretty good because I am able to move my feet well and cut off angles.

You have never averaged more than 2,0apg in school. Do you feel like you could propel your creating as a professional player?

Yes and this is one thing that I would like to increase but still be myself. I know that I will try and make the right decision every time so if I have weapons around me I could avg 5 ast for sure. Often, I have been in situations where I am the receiver.

On what things are you working on most with your game so it will help you to continue to make the rise up the basketball ladder?

Working on Ball Screen offense & defense. Different finishes in the lane: floaters, euro of both legs. Deep Range 3

You have played JUCO, NCAA 2 and even had solid stats in the NCAA. At 178cm, how big is the chip on your shoulder and how often have you had to hear the annoying words ‘your too small’?

I have a huge chip on my shoulder but it’s to prove to myself first actually because once I do that then I know I have proven it to others because I’m my biggest critique. I hear these words often and pushes me to go harder and I know that is a big reason why I’m not in certain situations but I have to keep going and believing.

I’m sure you watched some BBL games of Braunschweig last season. When you see that level, is that one where you believe that you can compete at?

I’ve watched 3 BBL Games in Person and I believe I can compete at a high level in this league, given an opportunity.

You began your basketball career at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) playing 23 games averaging 6.1ppg, 1.4rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 81.5%. What memories do you have of this year and why did you depart after only one?

This year was good for me because it was the first year I hit adversity in my basketball career. I was around players that if you didn’t come ready to play you would get exposed. It taught me talent alone isn’t enough and making better decisions is important as well. Personally, I didn’t fit well in the Umass Lowell system of basketball (style of play) and also player development is huge for me and I didn’t think I would get that there.

Did you know that ex teammate Jahad Thomas played in Germany last season? What memories do you have of him as a teammate?

Yes I did. He was a great mentor and teammate. He was the leader of the team and I stayed with him on road trips and absorbed knowledge from him constantly. He had a relentless work ethic and it rubbed off on me and other teammates as well.

You had some exciting wins over Sacred Heart and Cornell, but how memorable was it beating well known Boston College 68-66?

Ah man it was great! To beat a ACC team and it was my head coaches former school. That was a great memory and I was just happy for our coaching staff.

You then played a season at Panola College (JUCO) playing 35 games averaging 6.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 81.4%. What kind of wake up call was it for you coming from the NCAA to the JUCO?

My former High School coaches informed me about JUCO and I am a history major so I did research myself and I knew going in that it would be a challenge. Also, I knew people that I went to High School with that went JUCO and I knew they were high level players as well. I broke my ankle prior to attending the school so I was in recovery mode and that’s how this season went for me. It was a total grind and finding myself again and I’m truly grateful for the experience. JUCO is very underrated and some of the best athletes I’ve been around were at Panola.

Often Players that I interview that played in the JUCO say that this is a very tough league to play in, but it helped them mature. How was your season in JUCO and how did your game benefit from it?

Playing JUCO in East Texas felt like Division 1 basketball at times ecovering from an injury and at my size relying on quickness and explosion. It was tough for me because JUCO as a whole had the most athletic players. It made me stronger and once I got back in to shape, I realized how to overcome athleticism and height/length even more.

You then finished at William Jewell College (NCAA2) putting up huge stats in both seasons averaging 18.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 85.0% and 21.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 87.6%. What kind of a player did you become here?

I went back to myself I would say. A prolific, efficient scorer. I was given an opportunity to be a lead man again and a very trusting coaching staff and the rest was history. I credit it to my whole William Jewell Coaching Staff especially the Great Larry Holley and the person who recruited me Jimmie Williams.

You had many memorable games at William Jewel. What memories do you have of the tight 76-75 victory over Drury where you steered home 14 points?

Drury was always a tough, emotional game so beating them was all that matters and you just wanted to do it for your team, school and fans. I wanted to make big shots or make big plays in games like this.

How proud are you of your ex teammate Pharroh Gordon for also making a career overseas? What will you always appreciate most about him on and off the court?

Very Proud of him and happy for him. I saw his grind everyday especially our Junior year as roommates, waking up 5am/6 am to get extra workouts in with our trainer Tom O’Brien. He was a very tactical player which is opposite to me so I would learn from him and try to get his perspective on the game. Off the court he had European vibes and I like fashion so he and I would talk a lot on that. We had a Joel Embid and Ben Simmons relationship. I was cool, laid back and chilled a lot (Joel Embid) and he was pretty active and outgoing more like Simmons but on the court we got each other and we wanted to win.

How did head coach Larry Holley groom and prepare you best for a professional basketball career?

He taught me more off the court than on, He is a great man and is a person I aspire to be. He taught me to enjoy every day like it’s your last and to genuinely care for others. He showed me that your hard work and dedication will get noticed. He taught great ethics, morals and taught us how to be upstanding men in our community and be positive influences. The energy he brought everyday taught me that I needed to be even more grateful and motivated because it was a prime example of greatness. It was an honor playing for him, he trusted Coach Jimmie Williams and stayed true to his word of giving me another opportunity to prove myself and I tried to hold my end of the stick as well.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Byron Harp?

Byron was a tough match up and one of the best guards I have played with. He took a lot of pressure off me and I could rely on him. Its basketball so someone will get the best of you at times. But, in a 1-on 1 match up its me lol.

Who was the best player that you ever battled in your life that made it to the NBA?

I have played with or against a lot of NBA Players but not necessarily battled them.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

1.Karson Hayes (High School)
2.Andre Jones (High School)
3.Pernell Adgai (Panola)
4.Eysan Wiley (William Jewell)
5.Patrick Whelan (William Jewell

Please list your personal own NBA Rushmore of past or present NBA players?

MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Steph

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

Lol I don’t like how they skip over Kobe actually, he was more like Jordan to me personally but Jordan is the GOAT.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Uncut Gems