Nigel Hayes talks basketball, business and languages in opening Zalgiris interview 0

Zalgiris newcomer Nigel Hayes had the chance to get acquainted to Zalgirio Arena and some of his new teammates on the roster.

In his first interview for Zalgiris TV, the 24-year-old Hayes talked basketball, business, and languages, as he prepared to give his all for the green-and-whites.

“I just rested, tried to spend some time with my family and friends. I started my clothing business and I’m looking to start a restaurant back home. I was trying to get some stuff done before I left, but yeah, just relaxing, taking some time off and let the body recover, let the mind recover. Just getting ready for a good season.”

Hayes spent last season in Istanbul, as he wore the red and gold of Galatasaray and was one of the top performers in the EuroCup, where he averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 17.8.

The power forward is expecting to take another step forward in Kaunas.

“I heard the coach is fantastic. Nothing but good things about him and the development of players. It’s also the EuroLeague – if you’re not in the NBA, you want to be here. The fans are great. I’m just trying to get better as a basketball player and continue to improve. That’s something I can do here.”

Asked to describe his own game, Hayes used the word tweener, saying he can do work both inside and outside of the paint.

“I’m not really a big guy, that’s what I bring. I’m kind of a tweener. Playing inside and out is kind of the skill of mine that I have. Being able to do a little bit of both. I’m excited to have fun. It’s my only goal – every day I’m here, every game, I want to have fun playing basketball.”

He also had one simple request for the fans, hoping for their support through the good times and bad.

“I work very hard, I try to be the best I can be and I’ll do my best every time. When I do well – cheer me on, when I don’t do well – cheer me on.”