March 11, 2008

Montgomery, Ala. - Alabama State guard Andrew Hayles was named SWAC player of the year on Tuesday.

"I couldn't be happier for Andrew," said ASU head coach Lewis Jackson. "No one works harder than him, and he has improved every aspect of his game since he has been here. Andrew played a huge role in our success this season."

Hayles averaged 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while leading the Hornets to the SWAC regular season championship. He ranked in the conference's top 10 in six categories: scoring, shooting percentage, free throw percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, 3-pointers made, and minutes played.

"I want to be known as an all-around player and not just a scorer," said Hayles. "Coach Jackson challenged me to be a team player on offense. He also gives me the assignment of guarding the other team's best perimeter player.

"I only got better because my coaching staff pushed me so hard and my teammates trusted in me."

Earlier this season, Hayles became the 25th player in ASU history to eclipse the 1,000 career points mark. He scored a season high 28 points against Grambling State last week.

After his first season at ASU, Hayles was named the SWAC freshman of the year in 2005-2006. As a sophomore, he led the Hornets in scoring with 14.5 points per game.

Hayles is ASU's first SWAC player of the year winner since Steve Rogers, who won the award in 1990-1991 and 1991-1992.