Tag: Hayden Jones

Wisconsin basketball signs international 2025 SG Hayden Jones

Wisconsin basketball signs international 2025 SG Hayden Jones

Wisconsin basketball signed class of 2025 shooting guard Hayden Jones on Wednesday morning.

Jones became the second class of 2025 Badger commit to sign with UW on Wednesday, alongside in-state shooting guard Zach Kinziger.

At 17 years old, the 6-foot-5 swingman plays semi-professional hoops for the Nelson Giants of the New Zealand National Basketball League. This past summer, the 2025 recruit averaged 11.6 points per appearance for the country at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey.

With his appearance in the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, the 17-year-old became the fourth-youngest player to debut for the senior national team. New Zealand earned fourth place in the international tournament.

Jones also registered 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists for New Zealand during its runner-up finish at the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championship in Qatar.

The New Zealander has a smooth handle and a quick release on his jump shot. His experience against the most elite prospects from around the world also bodes well for his integration into Gard’s program.

With Middleton, Wisconsin native Will Garlock also signed, Wisconsin has inked its entire 2025 class.

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from international 2025 SG Hayden Jones

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from international 2025 SG Hayden Jones

The Wisconsin men’s basketball team secured a commitment from class of 2025 shooting guard Hayden Jones on Thursday.

Jones becomes the third class of 2025 prospect to pledge his commitment to Greg Gard’s Badgers, joining four-star De Pere, Wisconsin, native Zach Kinziger and three-star Middleton, Wisconsin, native Will Garlock.

The 6-foot-5 Jones does his hardwood damage in New Zealand. The wing recently averaged 11.6 points per appearance for the country at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey. At 17 years old, he became the fourth-youngest player to debut for the senior national team.

Jones also registered 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists for New Zealand during its runner-up finish at the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championship in Qatar.

The swingman represents the Nelson Giants of the New Zealand National Basketball League.

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 ranks No. 6 in the nation, bolstered by Jones’ commitment.

The international signing personifies a new era of Wisconsin’s recruiting efforts. Given the improving talent pool overseas, Greg Gard and his staff have dedicated more time and resources to international scouting that they had in the past. The first result of that initiative was the addition of Serbian center Andrija Vukovic. Jones is the next in what figures to be a long line of international additions by the program.