Basketball

Nigel Hayes: From Ohio’s Courts to EuroLeague Stardom

Published

3 years ago

July 28, 2023

In the world of basketball, success stories often emerge from the most unexpected places. Nigel Hayes, a talented forward who rose to prominence from his high school days in Ohio to playing in the prestigious EuroLeague, is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.

High School Phenom

Nigel Hayes first made waves in the basketball world during his time at Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio. Known for his versatility on the court, Hayes quickly became a star player for the Whitmer Panthers. His exceptional skills, work ethic, and dedication to the game earned him recognition not only in Ohio but also on the national high school basketball scene.

Hayes’ standout performances at Whitmer attracted the attention of college recruiters, ultimately leading him to the University of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Badger

At the University of Wisconsin, Nigel Hayes continued to showcase his basketball prowess. He became an integral part of the Wisconsin Badgers’ team under the guidance of coach Bo Ryan. Hayes was known for his strong defensive presence, scoring ability, and leadership on and off the court.

One of his career highlights was helping lead the Badgers to back-to-back Final Four appearances in the NCAA tournament in 2014 and 2015. His contributions earned him All-Big Ten honors and solidified his reputation as a top college player.

The Path to the Pros

Despite his success in college, Nigel Hayes faced a challenging road to the NBA. After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, he continued to pursue his dream of playing professional basketball.

Hayes didn’t give up. He earned a spot with the New York Knicks, signing a contract in 2017. While his time with the Knicks was brief, it was a testament to his determination and willingness to work tirelessly to achieve his goals.

EuroLeague Adventure

Nigel Hayes’ journey eventually led him to the EuroLeague, where he found a new home and an opportunity to shine on the international stage. Currently playing in Europe, Hayes is a valuable asset for his team.

His EuroLeague profile showcases his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. With his athleticism, defensive skills, and scoring ability, he has become a valuable player in one of the world’s top basketball leagues.

You can follow Nigel Hayes’ EuroLeague journey and witness his continued growth and success on the hardwood here.

Nigel Hayes’ basketball journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to make it in the competitive world of professional basketball. From Whitmer High School to the EuroLeague, Hayes continues to inspire aspiring basketball players with his dedication to the game and unwavering pursuit of excellence on the court.

Basketball

BriAnna Garza – Shooting Coach & Mentor | Ep 55 – Play by Play |

Published

6 months ago

May 15, 2026

Jesse Coleman

On this episode of Play by Play with Jesse Coleman, Jesse sits down with shooting coach and trainer Briana Garza to talk about her incredible journey in the basketball world. Briana shares how she built her organization from the ground up, traveling across the country to work with youth and adult athletes while helping players elevate their shooting and confidence on the court.

The conversation also dives into innovation and the future of basketball development as Briana discusses her new AI shooting app designed to help shooters, coaches, and parents better understand mechanics, track progress, and improve performance through technology. From entrepreneurship and coaching to the evolution of player development, this is an inspiring episode for athletes, trainers, and basketball fans alike.

http://Fixyourjumpshot.com

https://sxs.training/home

https://youtube.com/@shootersxshoot70?si=egXggabjFHT7O6a1

https://www.changingthegamefoundation.org

Basketball

Episode 54 | Chris Darrington – From Scott Bulldog to Glass City Wrangler

Published

8 months ago

March 31, 2026

Jesse Coleman

In this episode of *Play by Play with Jesse Coleman*, we sit down with Toledo native and rising pro hooper Chris Darrington for an in-depth conversation about his basketball journey.

Chris takes us back to where it all started—his early love for the game and his standout days at Scott High School, where he began making a name for himself. From there, he opens up about the grind of junior college basketball, the transition to Division I, and the lessons learned at every level of competition.

Now playing professionally with the Glass City Wranglers, Chris shares what it means to represent his city, the mindset it takes to succeed as a pro, and what’s next in his career.

This is a story of perseverance, growth, and staying locked in on the dream.

🎙️ Join the conversation and stay connected—visit us online at **WLshow.com**.

Basketball

Homegrown Hoops: Wranglers Rise Behind Darrington and Pratt

Published

8 months ago

March 26, 2026

Jesse Coleman

The Glass City Wranglers are making an early statement to open the 2026 season, jumping out to a strong 4–2 start behind the dynamic play of two of Toledo’s own—Chris Darrington and Devonte Pratt.

This isn’t just a good start—it’s a tone-setter.

Homegrown Leadership Setting the Pace

Chris Darrington, a proud alum of Scott High School, has emerged as one of the most dominant scorers in the league. Averaging 31.0 points per game, Darrington has been nearly unstoppable offensively. Whether it’s attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots, or creating his own look late in the shot clock, he’s been the engine behind the Wranglers’ success.

But his impact goes beyond scoring. Darrington is also contributing 4.3 assists per game, showing his ability to facilitate and make teammates better, along with 3.3 rebounds, proving he’s willing to do the little things to win.

Right alongside him is Devonte Pratt, a product of Rogers High School, who has been just as vital to the Wranglers’ early-season surge. Pratt is averaging 25.3 points per game, giving the team a powerful one-two punch offensively. His versatility stands out—he’s not just scoring, but also contributing 3.0 assists and pulling down 5.3 rebounds per game, showing his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

A Dangerous Duo

Together, Darrington and Pratt form one of the most explosive backcourts in the league. Their chemistry, combined with their shared Toledo roots, brings a unique energy to the team. There’s a level of pride and purpose when local talent shines at a high level—and the Wranglers are feeding off that.

Defenses are already struggling to contain both players. Focus too much on Darrington, and Pratt makes you pay. Shift attention to Pratt, and Darrington takes over. It’s a pick-your-poison situation that has fueled the Wranglers’ 4–2 start.

Building Momentum

At 4–2, the Wranglers are not just winning—they’re building identity. A team led by scorers who can also distribute, rebound, and lead brings balance that translates to consistency. If this duo continues at this pace, Glass City won’t just be competitive—they’ll be contenders.

More importantly, this run is resonating with the Toledo basketball community. Seeing former standouts from Scott and Rogers leading the charge is a reminder of the talent the city continues to produce.

What’s Next

The question now isn’t whether the Wranglers can compete—it’s how far they can go. If Darrington continues his scoring dominance and Pratt maintains his all-around production, this team has the potential to make a deep run in 2026.

One thing is certain:
The Glass City Wranglers are off to a strong start—and they’re doing it with Toledo toughness, Toledo pride, and two stars leading the way.