Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Nigel Hayes signing

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on after scoring against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Verizon Center on March 11, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks on after scoring against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Verizon Center on March 11, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 06: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers takes the court before the game against the Duke Blue Devils during the NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 06: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers takes the court before the game against the Duke Blue Devils during the NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

5. From A Winning Culture

Nigel Hayes played four years with the Wisconsin Badgers. It’s rare that players manage to complete four-year careers before going to the NBA, but Hayes had every reason to stay in a winning culture for four seasons.

The New York Knicks have been desperately searching for the type of high-character players who can help build a winning culture, and Hayes qualifies as such.

During Hayes’ four-year college career, Wisconsin made two Final Four appearances and four trips to the Sweet Sixteen. That includes a trip to the 2015 National Championship Game, during which Hayes thrived in a role as a critical two-way contributor.

That also includes the 2014 run to the Final Four, which coincided with Hayes winning the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award.

The fact that Hayes is coming from a winning culture is reason enough to be intrigued by his potential. He knows how to be a good teammate, has proven capable of stepping up on big stages, and is comfortable with not getting the No. 1 shine for a deep run.

The Knicks are looking for unselfish players who put the team first, and Hayes qualifies as exactly that after his successful four-year career. He’s also proven to be quite clutch.