Former Wisconsin Basketball Standout Breaks EuroLeague Scoring Record

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Dillon Graff | Last updated 4/1/24

Former Wisconsin basketball standout Nigel Hayes-Davis may have taken his talents overseas to play for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in the EuroLeague. Still, the talents he developed during his time with the Badgers under Bo Ryan and Greg Gard remain as strong as ever.

Standing at 6-foot-8, Hayes-Davis etched his name in EuroLeague history during a matchup against ALBA Berlin by delivering an unprecedented scoring performance. In a remarkable display, the Ohio native notched an astonishing 50 points, marking the first time in EuroLeague history that a player has achieved such a feat.

Hayes-Davis showcased his scoring prowess in an array of ways by connecting on 18 of 27 field goal attempts, including 9 of 16 from beyond the arc, and converting 5 of 7 free throws in a commanding 103-68 triumph at the Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul, Turkey.

This remarkable accomplishment surpassed the previous single-game scoring record of 49 points, held by Shane Larkin of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, and further solidified Hayes-Davis’s place in basketball history.

“Scoring 30 points in a Euroleague game, it’s harder than in an NBA game, 100% percent,” Luke Doncic said.

During his tenure with the Wisconsin basketball program from 2013 to 2017, Hayes-Davis left an indelible mark, averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 150 appearances. His collegiate career also included back-to-back Final Four appearances and two trips to the Sweet 16 — ending on a heartbreaker to Florida in 2017.

In his current EuroLeague campaign, Hayes-Davis has maintained a consistent level of performance, averaging 14.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while starting 27 out of 28 games.

Notably, the 29-year-old from Toledo has played in nine NBA games, appearing for the Lakers, Raptors, and Kings before carving out an accomplished career overseas.

Tip of the cap to former Wisconsin basketball standout Nigel Hayes-Davis.

This article first appeared on Badger Notes and was syndicated with permission.

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