30 greatest college basketball players this century

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INDIANAPOLIS – APRIL 03: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half while taking on the Michigan State Spartans during the National Semifinal game of the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on April 3, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

27. Gordon Hayward, Butler (2008-2010)

2010 Wooden Award Finalist
2010 NCAA All-Tournament Team
2010 Horizon League Player of the Year

When you looked at Gordon Hayward throughout his time with the Butler Bulldogs, you might then consider him the most unlikely inclusion in the top 30 college basketball players of the century. He was a lanky kid with little muscle-tone to go with a baby face. Put simply, he looked every bit the part of a young kid playing college basketball.

What wasn’t kid-like, however, was the impact that Hayward had under Brad Stevens in his two years at Butler. No, Hayward’s statistical production isn’t some of the greatest stuff that’s ever been seen, though it was still impressive.

As a freshman, Hayward was a solid cog for a good Bulldogs team as the youngster put up 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. However, his sophomore year was notably better as, in just 0.8 more minutes per game, Hayward put up 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. It’s also worth noting that Hayward’s seemingly pedestrian production was somewhat a product of Butler’s slowed-down, defensive-minded style of play.

What really boosts Hayward’s stock, though, is the simple fact that he was the leader of the Butler team that made the unlikely run to the 2010 National Championship Game. Though they ultimately fell to Duke, Hayward was instrumental and simply great on that run, even almost sinking the half-court heave at the buzzer to try and top the Blue Devils.