Every member of N.C. State’s women’s basketball “Big 3” now has an opportunity to make a WNBA roster. Graduate student Madison Hayes recently signed a rookie training camp contract with the Connecticut Sun as an undrafted free agent. She joins Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James, both of whom were selected as first-round picks in the WNBA draft, in pursuing a spot in the league. Hayes teams up with Rivers, who was chosen by the Sun at No. 8 overall, while James aims to secure a place with the Dallas Wings, who picked her at No. 12.
Hayes, a Chattanooga, Tennessee native, joined the Wolfpack as a sophomore and played four seasons in Raleigh. Though she was largely considered a darkhorse selection, not appearing on late-season draft boards, she was expected to be picked in the third round or sign as an undrafted free agent. Known as the “glue player” for N.C. State, Hayes was always ready to do whatever was needed for the team, even shifting to the No. 4 position this past season. Despite standing just 6-feet tall, Hayes made a significant impact on the court, averaging 10.9 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds in her final season. She also contributed at least seven rebounds per game the previous year and shot over 40% from beyond the arc during her last two seasons. Over the course of her college career, Hayes tallied 1,145 points, 796 rebounds, 149 assists, 85 steals, and 68 blocks.
Sophomore guard Zoe Brooks, who played alongside Hayes and the other seniors during the NCAA Tournament, spoke about the influence of her older teammates. “It gives me hope, playing alongside pros; people that are gonna go to the league and play with other greats,” said Brooks. “It’s just very inspiring for me, and it makes me want to keep working hard, hopefully to be in their position and go to the league, as well, when it’s my time.”
This group represents one of the most successful senior classes in N.C. State history, with all three players now having a chance to play professionally. Rivers, selected No. 8 overall, is the highest-drafted player in N.C. State history, and this marks the first time the program has had two first-round picks.
In addition to Hayes, two other women’s basketball players from the Triangle—UNC’s Maria Gakdeng and Alyssa Ustby—also signed rookie training camp contracts. Gakdeng will join the Atlanta Dream, while Ustby heads to the Los Angeles Sparks. Training camp begins Sunday, with the WNBA regular season set to start on May 16.
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