Butler’s Gordon Hayward To Remain In NBA Draft

With the deadline for underclassmen to decide whether they will remain in the draft fast approaching, the star of Butler’s improbable run to the NCAA tournament title game will reportedly keep his name in the draft pool. According to the Indianapolis Star, Bulldog sophomore Gordon Hayward will announce his decision to stay in the draft at a press conference on Friday at the school.

The 6’8”, 200-pound Hayward will likely be a late lottery to mid-first round pick -- Draft Express currently ranks him 19th in this year’s class -- which would mean a guaranteed contract for the Indianapolis native. Considering that players who leave after reaching the Final Four get drafted up to 12 spot higher than they otherwise would, according to one study, Hayward’s decision to leave school certainly seems like his best option at this point.

According to an ABC News affiliate out of Indianapolis, Butler’s sophomore superstar Gordon Hayward will declare for the NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent. Hayward, who averaged 16 ppg this year, was the Horizon League player of the year in 2010, and was one of the most outstanding players in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

And for Hayward, it’s the right decision. Whether he remains in the draft and ultimately forfeits his college eligibility is another story, but entering without hiring an agent will allow Hayward to familiarize himself with the NBA Draft process, while retaining the option to return to Butler for his junior year.