Milwaukee Bucks Pre-Draft Workouts: Nigel Hayes, Hamidou Diallo among attendees
By Adam McGee
Nigel Hayes
Forward – 6’8″
Having cemented his place in the history books of Wisconsin basketball as a key component of one of the greatest eras of Badgers’ basketball, Nigel Hayes is finally looking to earn a shot in the NBA.
Named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year in his freshman season, Hayes went on to make All-Big Ten teams in each of the following three years, and according to Bucks.com’s bio ahead of this workout, he’s also one of only two players in Big Ten history to tally at least 1,800 points, 700 rebounds, and 300 assists.
Hayes carved out an outstanding college career for himself as a reliable and steady presence across multiple Badgers teams, and is also known for his knowledge of basketball history and his vocal nature about the financial conditions for college athletes.
The question that has often come about Hayes in the last two years, though, has been whether his game has enough to translate to the NBA.
As a pro, Hayes would be a slightly undersized power forward, and his lack of efficient three-point shooting wouldn’t help either. Still, there’s a value to adding a diligent worker and consummate professional to any organization, and Hayes know-how may just prove to be enough to earn him a chance in the NBA.