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Wisconsin Basketball: What’s Next for Badgers Nigel Hayes?

By Tyler Hunt

Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Playing his Final Game in a Badger Uniform. Whats Next For Nigel Hayes?

While many players have been apart of something incredible at the University of Wisconsin, its hard to argue that Nigel Hayes has been through the most during his time as a Badger. As a Freshman Hayes started as the Badgers sixth man before getting into the starting rotation early in his first year. From there, his career took off and he was part of the nucleus that took the Badgers to back to back Final Fours followed by back to back Sweet 16’s. There’s no doubt that Hayes has been one of the most storied Badgers of all time, but over the course of his college career Haye’s draft stock has soared and fallen and went everywhere between. Since our last post about whats next for Wisconsin Basketball got such positive reviews, we decided to take a look at whats next for the Badgers Seniors, starting with Nigel Hayes.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

As said before, Haye’s draft stock has climbed and fallen and went everywhere in between during his time as a Badger. After his freshman campaign, Hayes seemed like he would be top prospect whenever he decided to declare for the NBA. After his sophomore campaign his stock soared even higher and some discussed Hayes as a potential lottery pick before he ultimately came back to Wisconsin for his Junior season. His third year saw a slump, and in turn Hayes stock plummeted. As the #1 option, Nigel struggled to live up to previously set standards. His final season was a collaboration of all his time at UW before as sometimes Hayes dominated the game, and sometimes he seemed to disappear. Now that the day is here, where does Hayes now project after a strong finish to this season?

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If you recall, Hayes attended the NBA scouting combine last season and struggled to make his presence felt as he scored just two points in the two games played by the prospects. Currently, Hayes sits as the 45th best prospect according to DraftExpress, a sight dedicated to all things NBA Draft. At 45, Hayes currently projects as a 2nd round pick, but with many question marks the NBA combine will likely determine his fate in the long term. Many NBA scouts have questions about his size, and how and where his size will translate in terms of position. Generally undersized forwards have to be able to shoot consistently, which is something that Hayes has struggled with over the past two seasons. While the jury is still out on his NBA career, its safe to say that Hayes will be able to make a career in professional basketball. His skill set could play well overseas, and that by no way is a bad end to career in terms of financial compensation. Things could certainly fall or rise, but its safe to say that professional basketball is in Nigel Hayes future in some setting.