Cheshire Phoenix can confirm that fan-favourite Jalen Hayes will not return to the club next season.
The dominant forward leaves the Phoenix to join BBC Monthey in the Swiss Basketball League.
Hayes departs the Ellesmere Port Sports Village having made an incredible impact – both on and off the court – and can be proud of his commitment, professionalism and dedication to our organsation.
In his first season with the Nix, Hayes played 23 times (all starts) and averaged 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1 steal per game – also shooting a respectable 39% from beyond the arc.
He consistently demonstrated his class by scoring in double figures 14 times, also achieving 20 points or more three times and recording 1 double-double.
Season highs:
- 23 points against Leicester Riders on April 07, 2019.
- 13 rebounds against Manchester Giants on January 11, 2019.
- 6 assists against Manchester Giants on April 19, 2019.
The 2019/2020 campaign – a season that was cut short due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – saw the dynamic forward table equally impressive figures, averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
With just 11 games played before the season was curtailed, Hayes did well to score in double figures nine times. Additionally, he managed 20 points or more on three occasions and recorded one double-double.
Season highs:
- 28 points against Sheffield Sharks on February 02, 2020.
- 11 rebounds against Manchester Giants on March 08, 2020.
- 7 assists against Manchester Giants on December 08, 2019.
Last season, club-captain Hayes started 31 games for the Nix and was instrumental in the team finishing in the play-offs. The American averaged 15 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Phoenix finished in 7th position and accumulated a number of special performances, and victories, along the way.
Hayes – who had become known as ‘Mr. Double-Double’ amongst the Nix Nation – scored in double figures on 24 occasions and recorded seven double-doubles. He also had 20 points or more six times and 30 points or more once.
Season highs:
- 31 points against Surrey Scorchers on January 17, 2021.
- 14 rebounds against Surrey Scorchers on January 17, 2021.
- 6 assists against London Lions on December 13, 2020.
Speaking on Jalen’s departure, General Manager James Brice was full of praise for the impact that the American made at the club.
He said: “Jalen has been a great ambassador of the club during his time here.
“We know all the fans will miss him and we can’t thank him enough for everything he has done on and off the court.
“We wish him all the luck in the world for his next move.”
On leaving the Nix, Hayes was keen to thank the staff, volunteers and everybody else involved with the organisation.
He said: “I want to say a huge thank you to James, Ben, all the volunteers and everyone at the club for the past three years.
“Hopefully we can reunite in the future.”
We would like to thank Jalen for his dedication and professionalism during his time with the club and wish him the very best of luck in the next chapter of his career.
Jalen is, and always will be, part of our club.