"Floor General with Grit: Commanding the Court with Heart"

Lawrence Hailes

@LjHailes2

Instagram: @ljayhailes2

6’1, 155lbs, Class of 2026

St. Francis Prep, NY

AAU: City Rocks Long Island

LJ Hailes is an emerging lead guard who plays with purpose, poise, and an edge that’s impossible to ignore. With good size for the position and elite anticipation on the defensive end, he thrives at making the right reads, delivering timely passes, and stepping into open shots. A true floor general who commands the pace, LJ creates opportunities not just for himself but for every teammate around him. Whether it’s knocking down a clutch three or being the setup man for Roman’s big moment, LJ’s fingerprints are all over winning plays. His defensive presence and vocal leadership spark the intensity that fuels his team, a gritty, heart-driven squad that has quickly earned the reputation of causing havoc for opposing backcourts.

While his 2024-25 season stats at St. Francis Prep (2.1 PPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 RPG) may not scream off the page, that’s not the story of who LJ is or who he’s becoming. His biggest improvement came on the defensive end, where he’s improved his on-ball pressure and tenacity, and he’s focused this offseason on developing every part of his game. The spring AAU season was a breakout stretch, giving him greater exposure and momentum heading into summer live periods. One performance in particular turned heads: 24 points, a perfect 5-for-5 from deep, 6 assists, and 4 steals, a snapshot of what happens when you let the dog run. His motivation comes from defense and energy, and his goals are simple: compete, play hard, and be seen.

LJ is fired up for a strong season ahead and believes success in the league is within reach. He embraces adversity by staying composed and focused, keeping his emotions in check and energy positive. Off the court, he values time with his family and recharges by listening to music. The best advice he ever received is, "Any coaching that pushes him to grow as both a player and a person.:"

I assess that LJ’s ability to lead, facilitate, and defend makes him an ideal fit for programs looking for a true point guard with toughness and feel. His anticipation, willingness to be coached, and team-first approach will translate well into any system.

As his confidence grows and he continues to expand his scoring and leadership role, expect LJ to become a rising stock in his. He’s proving that he doesn’t need hype, just a shot to show what he’s made of. Stay tuned.