Butler sensation Gordon Hayward has wrapped up his whirlwind NBA workout tour. His final stop was right here in the basketball state. Hayward has been traveling all over the country the past few weeks, working out for different NBA teams as the 2010 draft draws near.
Today the Pacers brought the Brownsburg native in for his 11th and final workout. For the limited amount of time we were allowed to watch, the former Butler star was stellar. He was smooth and streaky from three-point range—by far the best shooter of the group.
These workouts are challenging for any NBA team to completely evaluate a prospect. Teams usually bring in groups of six to have them compete 3-on-3. Workouts have taken place the last few weeks for NBA teams and Hayward stressed the importance of making good use of his time.
“It’s hard when you go to these workouts and you only have about an hour, hour and a half to show what you can do. It’s really kind of difficult. There is pressure like Larry Bird watching on the sideline. You really have to just go out there and not worry about that and just play hard. I’ve done that so hopefully I have impressed.”
The 215-pound shooting guard has gained some weight since finishing up with Butler. He is working out on the west side of Indianapolis at the St. Vincent’s Sports Performance Center. Hayward has been invited to New York City for the draft, an honor usually reserved for the top 15 prospects. Hayward says the whole process has been a fast learning experience.
“You have to grow up fast. I have never traveled by myself ever. I have always traveled with the team or with my family so I am going from place to place all by myself so its kind of nerve racking at first. But like I said I was excited for the whole process and it went by really quickly. So here we are three days til the draft, I can’t wait.”
Hayward went on to comment that he is unsure about his attire. Many guys are forever remembered by their draft night attire. He has however, never owned a suit because he is constantly growing. I hope he realizes at 6-9, he can’t walk in and have a suit properly tailored in just two days.
The 20 year old talent remains proud of his former Butler team and believes the future is bright at BU.
“They are going to be great next year I already know. It is sad leaving there. Just because it is such a great program but to be able to carry on Gordon Hayward from Butler University makes me feel proud.”
I’m not a mock draft fan…they are ridiculous. But he has been projected as high as 8th to the Los Angeles Clippers. Hayward fans are hoping that he will stay in the Eastern Conference. Otherwise like other Indiana talent, he will fade off to the west coast and visit Conseco Fieldhouse just once a year.
The Pacers have the 10th overall pick in Thursday night’s draft.