What should fans expect from this team for the 16-17 season if Nigel Hayes stays? What if he doesn't?
Phil Mitten: Returning the entire rotation from a 12-6 Big Ten squad is huge. I don't know about everyone else, but I expect a Big Ten title contender and an Elite Eight-caliber team with Hayes, contingent on him exhibiting much-better shooting and decision-making. I've always been in the camp expecting Nigel to leave school, but I hope he realizes that wouldn't be the wisest move right now.
Even without Hayes, there are plenty of reasons to forecast the Badgers back in the conference title race next season.