Layers upon layers of connections has us finally chopping it up with a former D1 hooper, big time Michigan high school player and one heck of a dude Mr. Hayes Grooms!

This is an episode of adversity, success, failures, growth and maturity! Hayes is a proud Detroit native currently living in Brooklyn who grew up in the prime era of the Bad Boys Pistons plus Michigan basketball! At an early age Hayes got lucky- he had a father who built a court in his backyard! This became the local neighborhood hoops spot and location where Hayes developed a love for the game. After seasons with AAU teams, hooping with friends and developing his skills, his mom made the tough decision to send him 45 minutes away to a well known private high school, Brother Rice Michigan.

After finding out he wouldn’t be playing Varsity as a Freshman, Hayes got after it. He walked into gyms and lit them up on every occasion he could, waiting for his turn at the highest level. He also had a hunger to become a D1 player and the letters started pouring in. However this is where the story takes a twist, after his high school coach got fired Hayes had a solid junior season but hurt his knee. He decided to play his senior season without surgery and it had a big impact on his recruitment.

To go from a top player in the state and every school recruiting you, to realizing the mailbox is empty would be hard for any graduating senior, but somehow Hayes found a way to take it in stride, look at this as an opportunity to refresh and head to Lamar University in Texas. After two years there and another major injury Hayes found his reality, realizing that basketball was coming to a close….BUT he wouldn’t give up.

Some amazing stories on how he ended up playing at Michigan, the career path he took and how his future took off after basketball are the whole reason you should check out this episode. The places he’s worked and people he’s connected with (Magic Johnson, Derek Jeter and more!) are a huge testament to Hayes leadership ability and understanding of people. Another banger of an episode that cannot be missed! Tap in!

Hayes Grooms - Guest
https://x.com/hg4
https://www.instagram.com/hgrooms4

Aaron Mitchell - Host
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/
Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/