Wisconsin Badgers big man Nigel Hayes is glad his team is alive and playing in Madison Square Garden for the Sweet 16, but he’s not too fond of New York City
The Wisconsin Badgers hold the honor of pulling off the biggest upset of the 2017 NCAA Tournament opening weekend. Thanks to a late flurry, they were able to topple the No. 1 overall seed Villanova Wildcats and advance to the Sweet 16. Integral to their victory was Wisconsin’s veteran big man Nigel Hayes, who hit the eventual game-winning layup.
Now Hayes and the Badgers are set to face the Florida Gators in the Sweet 16 on Friday, playing in the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden. Subsequently, Wisconsin has spent their share of time in New York City the past few days in preparation. And apparently that’s also been a few days too many for the Second Round hero, Hayes.
While talking with the press on Thursday ahead of the Sweet 16 matchup, Hayes was asked what he might do in the city if he had some free time. According to the NY Daily News, that was when the Badgers big put on his hate hard cap and targeting New York City, saying this (h/t For the Win):
"“I don’t really like New York,” Hayes said. “It’s too big, it’s dirty, trash everywhere, too many people. It’s cold right now.”"
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Considering that he’s spent his college basketball career in Madison, WI, it’s not surprising that he would think that New York City is large, trashy and crowded. However, I’m pretty sure that Wisconsin has a tendency to get pretty damn cold.
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If there were any local New Yorkers heading to the Sweet 16 on Friday as neutral parties, it’s safe to say that they might now start leaning a bit towards Florida. New Yorkers love New York City, so hating that hard isn’t going to make any new fans for the Badgers.