“I told Steph Curry, ’Be Steph, make everyone play around Steph and everything is gonna work out great.’ He starts that game and he ends up with 18 points in the first half. He comes over to me like ‘Way to put that battery in my back’. I think once the guys figured out the way Steph played is the way we play in Europe — because that’s kinda like the best way to play — move the ball once we’re probably going to get a good shot. Move the ball 2 or 3 times? There’s nobody on earth that can guard that team.”
Nigel Hayes-Davis—most of you know him for that jaw-dropping 50-point EuroLeague performance or his bold presence at the USA Select Team. But believe me, there’s a lot more to Nigel Hayes-Davis than meets the eye. With him letting us into his vibrant world, he offers a unique perspective on his Team USA experience. Diving further, it became clear that his humility, generous wisdom, and genuine gratitude were at the heart of his story. Well, whether it’s taking on the world’s top players or navigating a new city, Nigel’s approach seems always the same: full throttle, with a smile and a story to share.
Throughout the season, his standout performance in clutch moments, versatile play, and role as the team’s wild card kept him in the spotlight. The announcement of his inclusion in the USA Select Team this summer created quite a buzz. Nigel remains modest about it, however, when you look at someone who scored 50 points in a game, who else could be a better fit for this team? It wasn’t surprising at all. “The Mountain Top of Basketball” is how Nigel Hayes-Davis sums up his experience with the USA Select Team. Team USA, also known as “The Avengers”, with its lineup of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis, feels like living out a movie – an epic adventure unfolding before his eyes.
In Europe, the game is more about Xs and Os and focuses heavily on ball movement. With the NBA style being quite different, I anticipated that the USA team would not easily adapt to this European approach and that it would take some time for them to adjust. However, it was quite the opposite considering what happened in the exhibition game in July against Serbia. To Nigel, European basketball can blend seamlessly with the NBA style. Before the Serbia game in Abu Dhabi he offered Steph Curry a simple, yet impactful piece of advice. It wasn’t just tactical, it reflected his belief in making the most of every opportunity and inspiring others to do the same.
“Be Steph, make everyone play around Steph, and everything’s gonna work out great.” Nigel told Steph Curry, the NBA’s all-time greatest shooter.
Curry does just that, dropping 18 points in the first half, and comes over to Nigel and says “Way to put that battery in my back”. Nigel noticed the shift immediately once the team started moving the ball like they do in Europe. “Move it once, you’ll probably get a good shot. Move it 2-3 times? There’s nobody on earth that can guard that team.” And one play stood out: LeBron James drives, passes the ball to Devin Booker, then finds a wide-open Steph— he, instead of shooting, passes to Kevin Durant. The defense had to decide: close out on Steph or leave Kevin Durant wide open? Either way, it was a losing battle.
From my perspective, it’s no surprise that Nigel, with his deep understanding of both European and NBA styles, navigates these diverse environments with such ease. His time spent with the transformative player Steph Curry was a standout experience. Despite their short time together, Steph Curry and Nigel Hayes- Davis seem to have found a genuine connection, likely bonding over their shared approach to the game. “Steph is someone I can really relate to,” referring to how Curry’s style of play and work ethic resonate deeply with Nigel. Curry even shared some of his personal insights, writing down what Nigel calls “the secrets of the mountain top”, giving him a glimpse into the high level of dedication and skill that defines his game. Maybe one day he will give us a peek by sharing some pages from the secrets of the mountain top.
It’s clear that his mindset, emphasizing the power of consistency, drives his performance both on and off the court.
“The most important thing in this entire world is consistency. Cause if your heart doesn’t consistently pump, you die. That’s it, consistency is all you need. Be consistent, you can move mountains.” Hayes-Davis said, reflecting on a life-changing summer.
With this philosophy, will Nigel soon break his EuroLeague record of 50 points? Given his drive and humor—“50 wasn’t enough apparently”—it seems he’s ready to keep us all on our toes.