nigel hayes-davis: Wisconsin socials share 3-word message celebrating former standout Nigel Hayes-Davis' Euroleague MVP win

Former Wisconsin Badgers great Nigel Hayes-Davis added another postseason award to his career, and the school's social media team didn't lose track of it.

On Sunday, the Badgers X account reposted the official EuroLeague's announcement of Nigel Hayes-Davis earning the organization's Final Four MVP award, with a shoutout to their former player.

"Way to go @NIGEL_HAYES!" the Wisconsin Badgers social media account wrote.

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During Fenerbahce's 81-70 Final win over AS Monaco, the forward finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, two steals, one assist and a block. He was the game's leading scorer.

AS Monaco, a French club, ironically featured Hayes-Davis' college teammate Vitto Brown. It was Fenerbahce's second EuroLeague title in its history.

The EuroLeague is an international basketball circuit in Europe, in which some of the continent's top clubs get to play in a tournament every year, aside from their local leagues and cups. There is a champion crowned every summer.

Before turning pro, Nigel Hayes-Davis had a successful career with the Wisconsin Badgers. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2014 and made the All-Big Ten team three different times, including being a first-team selection in 2016.

During his time in Madison, the Badgers made the Final Four twice, losing in the semifinals to Kentucky in 2014, and then dropping a very contested final against Duke a year later. Hayes-Davis was second on the team with 13 points in the 68-63 loss to the Blue Devils. Wisconsin hasn't returned to the Final Four since.

After averaging 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in his senior season, he turned pro, but didn't find the same kind of success in the NBA.

Wisconsin alum Nigel Hayes-Davis finds success in Europe

After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Nigel Hayes-Davis signed with the New York Knicks. But after being named to the NBA G-League All-Rookie team, the Westerville, Ohio, native could never contribute regularly for an NBA team.

Hayes-Davis found success after arriving in Europe, winning titles in Lithuania and Spain. After a stint with Galatasaray in 2018-19, he returned to play for Fenerbahce in 2022 and has since become a household name in the Turkish League.

The Wisconsin product was named All-Turkish League second team in 2023. He would also lead the Istanbul club to cup titles in 2024 and 2025, as well as the Turkish League title last year.

But Hayes-Davis has always saved his best for last. His Final Four MVP will be added to the Turkish League Finals MVP in 2024 and the Turkish Cup Finals MVP this season.

About the author

Allan Wolburg Robles is a College Sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over 17 years of experience in the field writing for publications including Reforma, Yahoo! OddsShark and Apuesta. Allan studied Communications at Anáhuac University, where he learned what would become the basis of a trade that was already a dream of his before starting college.

His favorite team is Army West Point as when he was young, Allan lived in West Point for a couple of years, went to pretty much every home game, a couple of Army-Navy games and even got to meet some of the players.

Allan's favorite players of all time include Tommie Frazier, who was unbelievable during the Nebraska dynasty of the early 90's. Tim Tebow was also a favorite, mainly because of his leadership skills, although he was also awesome on the football field. As a fan of defensive football, (or what's left of it), Sean Taylor could take over a game for Miami.

Allan has always considered himself a student of the game more than a fan of it. So the historical part and evolution of the game, as well as the ins and outs of what happens on the field, and being able to put it into words for the audience, are his biggest strengths.

Besides sports, Allan enjoys reading books, watching movies and spending time with his dogs.

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Edited by Brad Taningco