Wisconsin fans now have a clearer picture of Hayden Jones after his season in New Zealand concluded and his performance in the FIBA U19 World Cup. The long and the short of it is that he has a lot of John Blackwell in his game; he can play a role on the team and hang back without the spotlight, but if called upon, he can light it up.
A massive congratulations to the winners of our NBS Nelson Giants club awards for 2025🤝
— NBS Nelson Giants (@GiantsNZNBL) July 4, 2025
Hayden Jones 👉 Young Player of the Year
Hayden Jones 👉 Rapid League MVP
Thank you for everything you have contributed to the club this season.💙#salsnbl #nelsongiants #skysportnz pic.twitter.com/1cINXTPUxB
Hayden Jones turned heads at the FIBA U19 World Cup and Wisconsin fans took notice
Greg Gard has two dynamic and impressive recruits coming to Wisconsin in the next couple of years out of New Zealand. Hayden Jones is coming this year, and Jackson Ball is a commit for the 2026 recruiting class. During the New Zealand Basketball League season, Ball was getting all the attention from Wisconsin fans as he was putting up multiple 30-point games, while Jones seemed to fit more of a role-player position for his team.
That changed in the FIBA U19 World Cup as Hayden Jones carried his team into the bronze medal game. This isn't to say that Ball wasn't also impressive, but it's that Jones seemed to emerge from nowhere with his ability to get to the basket, deliver crucial assists, and pull down contested rebounds.
New Zealand Basketball League Per Game Stats
9.8 points
4.4 rebounds
2.0 assists
FIBA U19 World Cup (7 Games)
14.6 points
7.6 rebounds
2.9 assists
It's almost a startling difference between the two stats. Especially because his shooting percentages for the Giants were very underwhelming this season. However, there are two notable things, and his performance at FIBA helped reveal them. First, Jones played a role for the Giants, he understood his role, and didn't try to take over games. He stayed in his lane. That changed for his FIBA team as he needed to be "the guy" at times, and he took over.
Hayden Jones (🇳🇿,2007) in the first half vs Mali:
— Giuseppe Invernizzi (@GiuseppeInv) June 29, 2025
14 points (2/4 2FG, 3/4 3FG, 1/2 FT)
5 boards
2 assists
If he shoots like that from 3 point he’s one of my favourite international prospects born in 2007.
Great body for a guard (200cm, 6’7’’), great offensive rebounder.
Love this… pic.twitter.com/DIdcX6tRSx
Second, coaching strategy seems to matter for Jones. The style of play was different in the FIBA World Cup compared to his New Zealand team. He will thrive in the Wisconsin offense. Greg Gard's system is more similar to the FIBA New Zealand style.
While he won't come in expected to be "the guy" and probably will need a year to really develop his game. He has the potential to be an excellent Badger on the wing. His sophomore season could be one to watch.