West Virginia guard commits to Juniata to play men’s basketball

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Head coach Greg Curley recently became the all-time wins leader in Juniata College men's basketball program history, but the main goal is to get the team back to the Landmark Conference Championship game as the Eagles did in 2007-08. The Eagles look to return to form with the help of key recruit, Jeremy Hays (McMechen, W.Va./John Marshall). 

The 6-1 guard averaged 20.4 points per game as a senior, 865 points overall through his three years on the varsity squad. He also grabbed 180 rebounds (3.4 per game as a senior) and dished out 145 assists (3.1 per game as a senior).

"Jeremy is a very versatile and talented player," said Curley.  "He has the ability to play either guard position equally well and has and unbelievable feel for the game.  He has one of the most complete games coming out of high school that I have seen.  He can score when needed, create for others when needed, or make a play on the defensive end when needed, but what truly separates him from other players is his sense of when to do what. " 

During his three years on varsity, he helped his team to a 46-26 overall recording, including three straight trips to the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) Championship game. As a junior, he contributed to a 19-7 overall record, as the team went on to win the regional championship, earning the school's first West Virginia state tournament berth. 

As a senior, Hays collected recognition for his balanced play on the court. He earned a spot on the OVAC First team, the All-Valley First team, and the West Virginia All-State Second team. He was also named as an OVAC West Virginia All-Star. 

Showing his versatility and athleticism, he was also a regional and state qualifier in track, earning two varsity letters in the process. In 2009, Hays took first place at the state regional track meet in the high jump with a leap of 6-2, sending him to states. At the West Virginia State track meet, he also posted a jump of 6-2, placing him in seventh. 

He also participated in the long jump, placing second in the 2009 West Virginia State regional championships. 

"The sky's the limit for Jeremy. He's a perfect fit for our program and we expect him to make an immediate impact, " continued Curley.  "He's going to bring a lot of excitement to Memorial gym over the next four years."

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