Nigel Hayes-Davis

Hayes-Davis is an American forward who has built a decorated European career after going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft. A two-time All-EuroLeague First Team selection and record holder for most points in a EuroLeague game, he won the EuroLeague championship in 2025 with Fenerbahce and earned Final Four MVP honors.

Born Nigel Hayes on December 16, 1994, in Toledo, Ohio, he attended Whitmer High School and played college basketball for the Wisconsin Badgers. As a junior, he was named to the first-team All-Big Ten after leading the Badgers in scoring with 15.7 points per game, assists with 3.0, and free-throw attempts with 258. He finished second in rebounds with 5.8 per game. As a senior, he averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists and was named Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year.

Hayes graduated in May 2017 with a degree in business finance and investment banking. He was noted for being an outspoken athlete on issues such as racial justice and NCAA athlete compensation. After going undrafted in 2017, he signed with the New York Knicks but was waived. He had brief NBA stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings.

Hayes-Davis found his professional home in Europe. He played for Galatasaray in Turkey, Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania, and FC Barcelona in Spain. In 2023, he signed with Fenerbahce and had a historic 2023-24 season, scoring 50 points against Alba Berlin to set the EuroLeague single-game scoring record. In 2025, he won the EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahce and was named Final Four MVP.

Hayes-Davis is a versatile forward with scoring ability, physicality, and defensive toughness. His game is built on post moves, mid-range shooting, and attacking closeouts. His success in Europe demonstrates his adaptability and skill at the highest level of international basketball.