REPORT: Nigel Hayes returning to Badgers for senior season

[Da-news-now]

After the 2015-16 season, junior Nigel Hayes decided to test the NBA waters but refused to hire an agent. However, following this past weekends NBA Draft combine the senior-to-be appears set to decide it best to return to the Wisconsin Badgers for one last season.

The Zone in Madison was first to report the news, which shouldn’t come as a complete surprise.

Sources close to The Zone say Nigel Hayes will return for his senior season at Wisconsin. #Badgers

— The Zone (@ZoneMadison) May 16, 2016
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Hayes came in to the process as a likely second round pick at best, and following the weekend it appeared he would be a late second round pick..if at all selected in the upcoming draft.

Last season, Hayes averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game as the Badgers made the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in the past six seasons. UW bowed out in the Sweet 16 to Notre Dame in a 61-56 loss.

While the report indicates Hayes is leaning towards a return, he does have until May 25th to officially pull his name from consideration and return to school. If said reporting becomes confirmed reality, the 2016-17 Wisconsin Badgers would have every single scholarship player back from a season ago.

Jim Polzin of the Wisconsin State Journal points out that Hayes hasn’t officially come to a decision, but after a bad weekend of scrimmages in front of NBA scouts it appears his best chances of an NBA future are with a return to school next season.

It would also make the Badgers a quick favorite in the Big Ten given their expectation-busting 2015-16 campaign and all the returning pieces to the puzzle this upcoming season. It would also be head coach Greg Gard’s first full season in charge of the Badgers after having the interim tag removed this past March.

The post REPORT: Nigel Hayes returning to Badgers for senior season appeared first on Madtown Badgers.

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[GBP4EVER]

Not surprising as he had a bad combine and was going to be at best a 2nd round pick if not going undrafted. So makes sense to go back try to boost stock for next year to see if he can get drafted higher and finish his career up at WI and at least get his degree to fall back on in case NBA does not work out.

 

[FlaPack]

He's not an NBA player. At least not at this point. Too small to play a 4. Not quick enough to play a 3 Going back is not going to make him quicker or grow. That said not a surprise. Just don't think his stock goes up much.

 

[57packer]

Agree his stock will not move up much. Biggest problem for him is that he decided to tinker with his shot last off-season and then shot poorly last season, especially in the tournament. To compound his problem he measured small for a 4. Heck he's even a little on the small side for a 3. A guy his size needs to be able to shoot or penetrate. He doesn't do either one all that well.

He can help himself a little by working on his shot and at least showing he's a good enough shooter to play the 3. Maybe someone grabs him in Rd 2 next year but nothing he does will move him into the 1st Rd. Maybe he can hang around the NBA for a season or two and then use that as a way to get a deal for a few years in a European league. He won't be wealthy, but you can make some solid money overseas.

 

[GBP4EVER]

Hayes made it official today pulled out of draft and returns to Wisconsin.

 

[Nutbush]

Although I really like the kid not sure if he will ever be NBA material.