Davis: A current look at former Bulldogs
By CHRIS DAVIS
ISL Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS — Growing up in Indiana, it’s hard to not be a basketball fan. The unmistakable voice that is Bobby “Slick” Leonard and his famous “Boom Baby” call, the smell of popcorn and the squeak of sneakers in a gym in a cornfield in Delaware County, the scowl of Bobby Knight; these things were my childhood. I think I knew the name Larry Bird before I knew my maternal grandfather’s first name.
I love the game. I watch whenever I get a chance, and I memorize statistics and standings for no real reason at all. I had never been so longing for hoops action that I purchased any additional cable subscriptions to get my fix. However, this season NBATV was included in my cable package, and just over a week ago I found myself sitting down to watch a game on this new prize for the first time – a fairly meaningless contest between the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, something awesomely nostalgic happened. In the last 3.6 seconds I listened to the description by Utah Jazz announcer, Craig Bolerjack, of Utah’s “money man” beating the buzzer for a game-winning shot from about 18 feet away on the right wing.
The “money man” Bolerjack was referring to was none other than former Butler Bulldog, Gordon Hayward. For those of us who had the pleasure of watching Hayward in his time at Butler, a call like that would sound pretty familiar. We all had every reason to believe that half court shot in the 2010 National Championship Game was going to find the bottom of the net.
Unfortunately, it did not, but that wasn’t the end of the story for Hayward (or for the Butler Bulldogs, who found themselves right back in the National Championship Game the next season.)
The recent incarnations of the Butler Men’s Basketball team have fallen short, but they’ve remained nationally relevant and competitive. What about those guys who were the key components of those deep tournament runs? Those guys that epitomized the Butler way and whose efforts are now paying big dividends beyond the court at Hinkle Fieldhouse. What are they doing on and off the court these days?
As mentioned, Gordon Hayward is starring in the NBA as the starting small forward for the Utah Jazz. After being a solid contributor, playing in more than 70 games and averaging more than 14 points per game the last two season, Hayward is off to an outstanding start through the first eleven games of the 2014-15 season. To this point, Hayward is averaging nearly 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game and shooting more than 50% from the field. Other than his current haircut, there’s not a whole lot Hayward can do wrong right now.
Another key member of those two NCAA National Championship Game runs has carved out a place for himself in the NBA. Shelvin Mack was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2011, and in the first three years of his professional career he earned his stripes bouncing between the Wizards, the NBA Developmental League, and even had a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. In March 2013, Mack signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks and by the 2014 NBA Playoffs was a significant contributor, averaging eight points and more than three assists in 16 minutes of action per game.
Hayward and Mack were the stars of those most successful Butler teams, but they could not have competed with upper echelon teams like Michigan State, Kansas State, and Duke without the presence of center Matt Howard. Howard has yet to find success at the NBA level, but he does continue to play professionally. In fact, Howard signed to play with French Pro A League club Strasbourg IG, and as their starting power forward is averaging six points and five rebounds per game this season.
A real fan favorite and true thorn in the side of opponents from those teams was center Andrew Smith. If you measure success in basketball terms, his story may not seem as successful as the three previously mentioned players from those Butler squads, but basketball certainly doesn’t tell the whole story for Smith. In February 2014, Smith was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It’s been a tumultuous year at times for Smith and his family. His fight has been arduous and his toughness and perseverance is unmatched. His professional basketball has been severely interrupted and may be finished altogether, but he has plenty left to fight for and is doing it with true Butler pride. If you would like to keep up with Smith’s progress, follow his wife, Samantha, on Twitter @Samantha44Smith.
I can’t end an article like this without mentioning the architect of those great Butler teams. Brad Stevens could be remembered as the guy who took a mid-major Butler team to the NCAA National Championship Game in two consecutive seasons, but I believe even he might agree it was the little steps that led to that giant platform that made it all so sweet. Stevens helped a player in Hayward that received a scholarship offer from only one power conference school make himself into a household name. He taught a pro level talent in Mack how to play like a professional, and he pulled the strings like a master puppeteer game in and game out, with a calmness to rival Job. This patience, style of teaching the game, and ability to help individuals and teams reach their maximum potential are likely the key reasons that Stevens now calls himself the head coach of one of the NBA’s most storied franchise, the Boston Celtics.
Steven’s first season at the highest level of basketball was highlighted by a season-long injury to the team’s top player, one of the league’s top talents, Rajon Rondo and his guidance of a team of young players and other clubs’ castoffs.
That Celtics team was highly competitive, and with the growth of their young nucleus and the addition of Rondo back at the point guard position, they could likely compete for a playoff spot in a relatively weak Eastern Conference. You’ll have a chance to see Stevens’ squad in person when they come to town to play the Pacers on January 9th, and March 14th this season.
Other members of those 2010 and 2011 teams have had notable accomplishments, as well, many in the sport of basketball. Zach Hahn is the head coach of the Center Grove Boys Basketball team, while Ronald Nored is working alongside Coach Stevens in a player development role with the Boston Celtics.
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ISL_Bulldogs
