Wisconsin junior forward Nigel Hayes has never been shy to express how he’s feeling during a press conference.
Hayes become a star during the NCAA tournament last year for his use of big words and entertaining press conferences that sometimes included a hot mic.
The native of Ohio was at it again on Thursday night as Hayes provided a mic-drop moment when discussing his former in-state school after a Wisconsin win over Ohio State.
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Nigel Hayes with the mic drop on Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/xBCY4VHv66
— Scott Phillips (@phillipshoops) February 5, 2016
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There’s some history here.
Hayes was recruited by both Ohio State and Wisconsin as a high school student out of Toledo Whitmer, but chose the Badgers even though he grew up a fan of the Buckeyes. He took official visits to both schools but you can read the writing on the wall from Hayes in this commitment story from Brian Snow when Hayes picked Wisconsin:By his own admission growing up Hayes was a major fan of Ohio State. When the Buckeyes offered many expected him to quickly don the Scarlet and Gray, but that didn’t happen. Instead Hayes took serious visits to Stanford, Minnesota, Ohio State, and Wisconsin before eventually deciding on the Badgers.
Hayes confirmed his decision, and in simple terms stated, “They love me.”
Seems like the Badgers just wanted Hayes more and made him more of a priority. I’m sure the Badgers are pleased with their decision and the results (and Hayes mic drop) speak for itself.
Hayes finished with 21 points to lead the Badgers to a 79-68 win over Ohio State as Wisconsin is riding a five-game winning streak.