Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes participates in the 2017 NBA Combine in Chicago

Wisconsin’s Nigel Hayes at the 2017 NBA Combine

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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I tend to like Jay Bilas as a commentator which is the nicest thing I will probably say about anything Duke-affiliated in my life. He certainly knows the audience wants to hear him discuss wingspan as much as possible. A player’s reach and wingspan matters for defense and rebounding especially but also useful for a player with a post game like Hayes.

Wingspan: 7’3″ (2016, T-8th) 7’3.25″ (2017, T-8th)

Standing Reach: 8’11.5″ (2016, T-9th) 8’8.5″ (2017 T-32nd)

Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Florida Gators guard Chris Chiozza (11) takes the game winning shot against Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

So this is curious. Hayes adds 1/4″ to his wingspan but suddenly lost 3″ from his standing reach? His 2016 mark would have put him tied for 18th this year. I can understand a smaller variation, but three inches is a pretty sizable change in a year. Was he in the pool or something right before? I cannot imagine a scenario where this moves the needle even a couple inches on Haye’s draft stock however.

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