Wisconsin vs. Kentucky: 5 differences in the rematch

Mar 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) speaks to media during practice before the semifinal of the west regional at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Nigel Hayes

In last year’s game, Wisconsin also started three guards to match up better with Kentucky’s smaller lineup.  Wisconsin had Traevon Jackson, Josh Gasser, and Ben Brust all start and they all saw significant minutes.  Gasser saw a team-high 40, while Brust played 38.

Now that Brust is gone, who has Wisconsin used to be another significant part of their puzzle?  The answer is forward Nigel Hayes.

With all we know and have seen from Hayes this past year, it may come as a shock to some that Hayes only played a total of seven minutes and scored just two points in last year’s Final Four game.

With Kentucky boasting the best frontcourt in the country, Badger fans should be happy that Hayes is going to play more than seven minutes this time around.

In the early stages of the season, I wrote about how Nigel Hayes was ready to impress this season.  Not only has he impressed, but without him, Wisconsin wouldn’t be in the spot they are now.  With Hayes already having a strong post game and ability to rebound, he will prove to be one of the most important aspects of the game come Saturday.

Pair his interior play with his vastly improved ability to shoot the ball, then you’re talking about two big guys (Hayes and Kaminsky) who can take Kentucky’s 7-footers out of the paint and play them around the three-point line.  If Wisconsin can drag those players out of the paint and hit shots like they did against Arizona, then all bets are off come Saturday.

What Kentucky needs to do is get the ball low, get Wisconsin’s big men in foul trouble, and realize that Wisconsin doesn’t play any other skilled big men.

The play of each team’s frontcourt will determine how this game plays out.