He was a star in Brownsburg as a high school player and was one heave away from giving his Butler Bulldogs a national title. Tonight, he returns to Indianapolis, but as a member of the Utah Jazz.
While back home, Hayward made a generous donation back to his alma mater by giving money to renovate Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse. The money will go toward a new video room and the new video room will be named in his honor.
The donation helps out in Butler's goal to raise $25 million to fully renovate Hinkle.
Hayward also had the opportunity to watch his Bulldogs upset the Hoosiers in the very building he will play in tonight against the Pacers.
Hayward was clearly excited for his Bulldogs as his Twitter account exploded with joyous tweets like this one Saturday.
Proud of my guys at Butler! So much heart! @bucoachstevens and crew know how to get it done!
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) December 15, 2012
Hayward is excited to be back in the Hoosier State for tonight's matchup, too.
Back home! Pacers tomorrow #jazznation looking forward to seein everybody from the crib
— Gordon Hayward (@gordonhayward) December 19, 2012
Hayward has spent both of his professional seasons with the Jazz, and in 25 games in season, the former Bulldog is averaging 13.3 points per game with three rebounds a game, mostly off the bench.