Nigel Hayes-Davis explains why he joined Panathinaikos – Basketnews.com

Nigel Hayes-Davis opened up about his decision to join Panathinaikos, saying he felt it was the right time for a new chapter after giving his all in recent years. The EuroLeague champion also shared his excitement about building chemistry with his new teammates and sent a message of support and unity to the fans.

Nigel Hayes–Davis is ready for a new chapter. After helping Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul lift the EuroLeague title last season, and playing for half a season in the NBA, the 31-year-old forward has signed with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens and shared his thoughts on the move.

Hayes–Davis explained that the decision came after deep conversations with people close to him.

“Talking over with family, friends, my agent, and myself,” Hayes–Davis explained to Panathinaikos. “Everyone knows Fenerbahce was an option, and what I’ve done there the last few years, especially what we as a team accomplished last year, it just felt like a chapter was closed on that, and I gave my all.”

“I think I did my best I could. Hopefully they appreciate that and enjoyed it, and now this is the next chapter in life and in basketball.”

The versatile forward is known for his scoring, defensive effort, and ability to play multiple roles on the floor. He believes he can adapt quickly to his new coach’s system.

“Just, as I always say, I would work hard, try my best to contribute defensively, offensively. I talked to the coach before we walked on the court and walked through the plays, and he wanted to remind me, don’t come here and fit in, come here and just be Nigel, and we’ll make it work around you. So that’s some good encouragement,” he said.

“Well, it’s just a chance to try to make it work. Obviously, it sounds very nice to have these accolades on paper, but the goal and the task and the fun comes to making good work on the court. So I’ll do my best, as I’m sure they will, to try to give some nice chemistry as fast as we can. And hopefully that leads to us being able to win some games.”

The experienced wing also had a message for the fans.

“Cheer for us when we’re doing well, cheer for us even more when we’re not doing well, and always remember we’re trying our best. Thank you,” Hayes–Davis concluded.

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