Nigel Hayes Withdraws from 2016 NBA Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Rather than enter the 2016 NBA draft, Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes has opted to return to Madison for his senior season.

Hayes said Tuesday, "I'm coming back," per the Wisconsin State Journal's Jim Polzin.

Although he was the Badgers' leading scorer last season at 15.7 points per game, Hayes saw his shooting numbers drop off in a big way. He shot 36.8 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from three-point range.

Hayes initially declared for the draft on April 20 but didn't hire an agent, allowing him to capitalize on the new rule that allows players to go through the predraft process without ultimately entering.

"There are a lot of pros to not going pro. You can use that as a title for this if you want. I think it's extremely clever," said Hayes, per Polzin.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman concurred with Hayes' judgment:

"

Smart decision by Wisconsin's Nigel Hayes. Returning to school. https://t.co/tvXlrJIHsv

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 24, 2016"

Hayes' future NBA outlook would improve considerably with better offensive proficiency at Wisconsin in 2016-17—and there's reason to believe he can bounce back and have a big year.

The 21-year-old shot 49.7 percent from the floor and 39.6 percent from distance as a sophomore. Returning for a second season as a true team leader ought to benefit his development.

Wisconsin will return another seasoned veteran in guard Bronson Koenig and a dynamic forward in sophomore Ethan Happ—the only other Badger to average in double figures last season.

The 2015-16 campaign featured considerable adversity, as Wisconsin dealt with the sudden retirement of longtime head coach Bo Ryan in December. Under the guidance of Ryan's successor, Greg Gard, the Badgers posted a 15-8 record and still made it to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.

Having Hayes back should be a tremendous help—especially now that he has the chance to improve on what was an underwhelming few games in March Madness in which he went 9-of-39 shooting.

There's precedent at Wisconsin to suggest Hayes is indeed making the right call.

Versatile big man Frank Kaminsky led the Badgers to the Final Four in 2014 but still returned for his senior year. Kaminsky improved upon his game, helped Wisconsin to the national title game and proceeded to be selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2015 NBA draft.