From Larry Bird to Victor Oladipo, Indiana basketball players are always easy to pick from the bunch. They work hard, they're loyal, and they're loved by kids in every corner of the Hoosier state. Gordon Hayward was one of those kids, and tomorrow Pacer fans will say farewell to the scrappy kid from the local school, Butler.
During his college days, Gordon Hayward went from unknown jump shooter to household name when he took heavy underdog Butler to within 1 buzzer beater of a National Championship. Overnight, he became the darling of Indiana, a local boy who could slay the dragons of Duke and Kansas.
During his CSL days, he led a talented Portland team to 5-straight playoff runs. Although Hayward never won a championship, he did win over the hearts of millions with his underdog mentality. Tomorrow, he'll get one last chance to shine on in Indianapolis, the city that made him.
Gordon Hayward came within 1 shot of a National Championship in 2010 -- a moment that the state of Indiana will never forget.
