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