LIVE OAK, Fla. — Former Suwannee High star Kevarrius Hayes will get his chance to play professionally, in Italy.

Pallacanestro Cantù announced last week that it had signed Hayes, a 6-foot-9, 227-pound center out of the University of Florida.

“Kevarrius is a young player, but with great potential and considerable growth margins,” Cantù general manager Daniele Della Fiori said in a release, adding that Hayes will bring energy and an impact “thanks to his athletic and intimidating skills.”

Hayes certainly made an impact defensively for the Gators, becoming the first UF player to post three seasons with at least 60 blocked shots. His 214 total blocks is the second-most in program history.

Hayes became a starter midway through his sophomore season at UF, starting 82 games overall and 76 in the last three years. For his career, he averaged 5.6 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds per game.

His best season statistically was his last in Gainesville as he posted career highs with averages of 8.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He also had 67 blocked shots, tying his career high while shooting a career-best 67.3 percent from the floor.

In early March, Hayes posted a career-high 15 rebounds against LSU before scoring 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting three days later at Kentucky. His career high of 20 points came against Oklahoma as a sophomore.

Hayes also made an impact off the court at Florida, twice being named to the Southeastern Conference’s Community Service Team for his volunteer efforts in Gainesville, including delivering food to homeless people and shoes to needy children.