Nigel Hayes
Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes was named the Big Ten’s Player of the Week. It’s the first career conference player of the week honor for Hayes, who averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds a game in wins over number-22 Syracuse and Oklahoma last week.
Hayes finished one point shy of the second triple-double in school history in the Badgers 77-60 win over Syracuse. Hayes registered nine points, a season-high 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists, becoming the first Badger to post double-figure assists in a game since Jordan Taylor in 2011.
Hayes followed up later in the week with a game and season-high 28 points and a game-high six assists in a 90-70 win over Oklahoma.
Hayes is the NCAA’s only active player with 1,400 points, 600 rebounds and 200 assists in his career. He is currently tied for ninth overall in career scoring with former Badger Frank Kaminsky at Wisconsin.
Hayes was named Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year and made national player of the year watch lists for the Naismith, Wooden and Lute Olsen awards.
Hayes and the Badgers return to the Kohl Center on Wednesday night to host Idaho State.