Nigel Hayes
Page updated as of 4/8/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2017 rankings were finalized on 6/22/2017.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 240
College: Wisconsin
Classification: Senior
Birthdate: 12/16/1994
2017 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 72
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
Pros:
Strong finisher around the basket
Excels at scoring on the move
Adequate low post scorer
Adequate scorer off the dribble
Decent shooter off the catch
Gifted playmaker that plays like a point forward
Good rebounder
Solid athlete
Terrific motor
Great size to play the small forward position
Tough, smart player that has great intangibles
Cons:
Inconsistent shooter
Can be careless on offense, which can lead to turnovers
Can be quite foul prone
May need to improve his perimeter defense
May have trouble adjusting to NBA tempo
May be a classic tweener
Summary:
Nigel Hayes is an athletic, combination forward that first emerged as a significant prospect after having a breakout sophomore season and NCAA Tournament in 2015.
He is a versatile scorer on offense that can score in the post, off the dribble, and off movement away from the ball. He can be quite streaky with his three-point shot, but he can stretch the defenses when he gets in a rhythm.
In addition, Hayes is a terrific passer, especially from the post. He has very good court vision, as he is a patient player that will find the open man consistently to set up a wealth of scoring chances for his team.
On the other hand, he plays for a very slow paced team, so he may need to adjust to the much faster tempo at the next level. Hayes does have the ideal size and athletic ability to play the three, but he has mostly played the four at the collegiate level.
But if he continues to excel here and progress as a player, Hayes could end up being the jack of all trades type of player that NBA teams may want on their team in the near future.
Links:
Games Scouted:
11/29/16 Wisconsin vs. Syracuse
3/18/17 Wisconsin vs. Villanova
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