WIZARDS: Hayes to Play in 2004 got milk? Rookie Challenge

Hayes to Play in 2004 got milk? Rookie Challenge

Wizards 10th overall pick to help rookies as they take-on sophomores
January 27, 2004

Hayes has had several soaring dunks this season for the Wizards.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images

Wizards rookie forward Jarvis Hayes has been picked to play in the 2004 got milk? Rookie Challenge on Friday, February 13, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The game, which helps kick-off the 2004 NBA All-Star Weekend, matches the leagues top rookies with the leagues top sophomores.

“I’m really excited to be named to the Rookie team and go out to Los Angeles and represent the Wizards. This is a great honor for me, ” said Hayes.

Chosen with the 10th overall pick by Washington in the 2003 NBA Draft, Hayes has had an immediate impact on the Wizards. He ranks third on the team in scoring (10.4 ppg), third in minutes (32.3 mpg) and sixth in rebounds (4.6 rpg). Among other rookies, Hayes ranks sixth in points, seventh in rebounds, sixth in minutes played and fourth in steals (1.23 spg).

“We are very proud of Jarvis and happy for him,” said Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. “Jarvis has a very bright future ahead of him on the court, and he’s the type of person that continues to make a great impact in the community.”

Hayes has scored a career-high 22 point three times this season (at NJ 12/19/03, at LA Lakers 11/26/03 and at Cleveland 11/8/03) and pulled down a career-high 14 rebounds versus Chicago on January 14, 2004. He notched back-to-back double-doubles with 14 points and 13 rebounds versus Seattle on January 17 and followed it up with 12 points and 14 rebounds versus Chicago on January 19.

Hayes’ rookie teammates will include Cleveland’s LeBron James, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, Toronto’s Chris Bosh, Miami’s Udonis Haslem and Dwayne Wade, Chicago’s Kirk Hinrich, Dallas’ Josh Howard and Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Kaman.

The game will tip-off at 9:00 PM EST and will be televised by TNT. NBA.com will provide basketball fans with the opportunity to have their vote count towards selecting the MVP of the got Milk? Rookie Challenge, as part of the site's exclusive NBA All-Star 2004 coverage.