NEC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

12. Juvaris Hayes

Hayes is a 6’0 point guard from Paterson, New Jersey who actually starred for Bob Hurley at the famous St. Anthony’s high school, winning a state title back in 2016. He then joined Merrimack and would spend his entire collegiate career with the Hawks. However, Merrimack didn’t join D1 and the NEC until 2019, meaning we’re only focusing in on Hayes’ senior season.

He put up impressive numbers early in his career, actually leading D2 in steals on multiple occasions, and was not intimidated by the NEC. In that senior year, Hayes averaged 10.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.9 steals per game, helping to led Merrimack to 20 wins and the NEC regular season title in their very first season. He had a 15-assist game against Wagner and flirted with a triple-double on a couple occasions.

Suffice to say, it was a productive transition for Merrimack and a great last year for Hayes. He was named First Team All-NEC and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. Not only did he lead the NEC in assists, but he led the nation in steals and won the Lefty Driesell Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player. He was marvelous on both sides for the Hawks but really stood out throughout his career as an elite defensive guard.