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.
Welcome to Wisconsin ✍️@HaydenJonesNZ is a Badger!
6-7 guard | Nelson, New Zealand• Plays in New Zealand NBL
• Fourth-youngest player (17) to debut for the New Zealand national team
• Led New Zealand to a 4th-place finish at the FIBA U17 World Cup#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/mhkEoNIjc7— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) November 13, 2024
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.