Former Potomac High School standout Eric Hayes made a good enough impression during his pre-draft workout with the Washington Wizards June 1 that the team has invited him to compete with its summer-league team in Las Vegas.
The league's schedule of games runs July 9-18. Each team in the league plays five games. The Wizards open up July 11 against Golden State followed by games July 12 vs. the L.A. Clippers, July 15 vs. Dallas, July 16 vs. New Orleans and July 17 vs. the New York Knicks.
Among Hayes' teammates will be guard John Wall, the No. 1 overall pick last Thursday by Washington. The Wizards' two other picks, Clemson forward Trevor Booker, who was taken No. 23 overall, and Rutgers center Hamady N`diaye, who was taken No. 56 overall, are also scheduled to participate.
"I think I had a pretty good workout with them and they showed interest," Hayes said. "It wasn't a complete surprise. I'm happy about it. It's a great opportunity."
Hayes, who played four years at the University of Maryland and finished as one of the program's most accurate shooters, showed off his outside shooting touch for the Wizards during a drill where he and the other players were asked to make seven baskets by shooting from the right and left ends of the foul line. Hayes converted all his attempts without a miss.
"I think they liked the way I shoot the ball," said Hayes, who won the NCAA 3-point title during Final Four weekend in Indianapolis. "I can play the point or shooting guard and can cover either of those spots."
Hayes said he expects to begin working out with the Wizards for a few days next week before leaving for Las Vegas. Once the summer league is over, Washington will then decide whether to invite Hayes into training camp.
If he's not brought into camp, Hayes said he would then consider playing overseas.
Sports editor David Fawcett can be reached at 703-530-3911
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