Indy Star Player of The Year: Gordon Hayward

School: Brownsburg.

In 2007-08

A 6-8 guard-forward, Hayward averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in helping lead the Bulldogs to a 22-5 season and Class 4A state championship. A Butler University recruit, Hayward totaled 929 points and finished in the school’s top five for career totals in rebounds (398), assists (198) and steals (176). The three-year varsity player helped the team to a 48-25 record and capped his career by hitting the winning shot as time expired in the Bulldogs’ 40-39 title-game victory over Marion. Hayward, who turned 18 on March 23, plans on a double major of physics and engineering and wants to pursue a career in computer engineering.School

Q: I’m sure you felt you could win against Marion. But to win the way you won, can you believe that?

A: After they hit that 3-pointer, I think everyone was a little down. To be down by one with two seconds to go and have to go almost the length of the court, it’s an amazing feeling to have that happen.

Q: By the time your team’s celebration wound down back at Brownsburg, you also were celebrating your 18th birthday. What was that like?

A: It was the greatest present I could ever get. It was great to have people there around me and such a supportive community. I don’t think I’ve ever had that many people sing “Happy Birthday” to me.

Q: Not many 6-8 guys are on the perimeter at the high school level. How did your guard skills develop?

A: Growing up I always played guard. I have to attribute that to my father (Gordon), who taught me to play and always wanted me to play guard. I never dreamed I’d be 6-8; I just kind of had a growth spurt, and they came with that.

Q: Who is your basketball role model?

A: I modeled my game after (ex-Utah Jazz guard) John Stockton and (Phoenix Suns guard) Steve Nash. I guess I’ve kind of outgrown the position they play, but those are my two favorite players to watch.

Q: What will you miss most from Brownsburg?

A: The team chemistry overall and my teammates. We were so close, it’s going to be hard to leave. I’m going to miss them, for sure.

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