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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) attempts to move the ball around Purdue Boilermakers forward Vince Edwards (12) at the Kohl Center. Purdue defeated Wisconsin 61-55. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) attempts to move the ball around Purdue Boilermakers forward Vince Edwards (12) at the Kohl Center. Purdue defeated Wisconsin 61-55. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

29. Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin Badgers

Position: Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8″, 237 pounds, 7’3.5″

Slash Line: .384/.294/.725

Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 15.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 3PM

New Year’s Resolution: Be In Control

With the departures of Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky, Nigel Hayes has been presented with a unique opportunity in 2015-16. The Wisconsin Badgers lost the top two stars from a season ago, as well as head coach Bo Ryan, and that means Hayes has a chance to step up and thrive.

Thus far, he’s experienced mixed results in doing so.

The 21-year-old made a name for himself as the Badgers’ swiss army knife, if you will, during the run to the national championship game. In his follow-up campaign, Hayes has improved his court vision and maintains a high level of defensive intensity, but his scoring has suffered without Dekker and Kaminsky alongside him.

Hayes can defend both the perimeter and interior, and he can score from anywhere on the floor. Unfortunately, his inconsistency in creating his own offense will be a blemish on his draft resume until that improves.

Hayes controls his own destiny.

Next: Offensive Standout