Getting to the NBA is hard but life does not end when you go undrafted in the pro league. That is the kind of life that Wisconsin Badgers alum Nigel Hayes-Davis lived and now, he’s sowing the seeds he planted through his hard work.
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Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Khalil Iverson (21), forward Vitto Brown (30), guard Bronson Koenig (24), forward Nigel Hayes (10) and guard Zak Showalter (3) walk on the court during the second half against the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Hayes-Davis played four seasons with the Badgers from 2013 to 2017 and averaged 12.4 points per game in that span.
He was among the most decorated Badgers in his era. In sophomore season, he was named the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. He continuously improved his game and then was named twice as member of the Third-team All-Big Ten (2015, 2017). He also won the First-team All-Big Ten in 2016.
He also had team success as he helped lead the Badgers to two final four appearances in the NCAA tournament.
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Of course, none of those guaranteed a spot in the most prestigious basketball league. He went undrafted in 2017 but was still able to crack a G-League spot through the Westchester Knicks. He became part of the NBA G League All-Rookie Team in 2018.
Nigel Hayes-Davis
Apr 3, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Josh Jackson (left) battles for a loose ball against Sacramento Kings forward Nigel Hayes (40) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
He got into the NBA through the Los Angeles Lakers but played only a total of nine games for three different teams.
Europe became the next move for him.
Nigel Hayes-Davis is an accomplished man
It’s a long time coming, and also a redirection, but the 30-year-old power forward finally saw his hard work payoff big time.
Hayes-Davis captured four awards this year. He led Turkish club Fenerbahçe to their second title on May 25 and won the EuroLeague Final Four MVP while at it. He also became the league’s top scorer in the finals and was named to the All EuroLeague first team for a second time.
The Badgers alum recalled how he was dismissed but his mindset was all about working harder after that.
“I go undrafted, keep working,” he said in an interview with Badger Notes.
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Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) drives to the basket against Florida Gators forward Justin Leon (23) during the second half in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
“I end up overseas, and you have to deal with that. As an American growing up, your dream is to play in the NBA. And when that doesn’t happen, you keep working, keep working.”
“Go to Barcelona. Worst year of my life. I’m still working and going to the gym. I get dinner. Work, work, late at night, early mornings. Landing in other cities when we have games. Going to the gym.”
Eight years after NBA rejection, there’s something he can declare now.
“And now I’ve won it,” said Hayes. “Now, you know, now I’m the best.”
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