Butler legend and former NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward is returning to campus as the executive basketball advisor for the Bulldogs, the school announced Tuesday.
In the newly created volunteer position, Hayward will work alongside head coach Thad Matta, general manager Tony Bollier and athletic director Grant Leiendecker. He will advise on talent evaluation, recruitment, player development and team culture.
“There were a lot of people who were instrumental in my development on and off the court during my time at Butler, and I’m excited to give back to the program by helping today’s Bulldogs in a similar way,” Hayward said in a statement. “I look forward to building relationships with the staff and our current and future Bulldogs in order to positively impact the program that I care deeply about.”
Hayward, 35, played 14 NBA seasons with four teams from 2010-24 after leading Butler to the NCAA Tournament championship game against Duke in 2010, losing 61-59 after he narrowly missed a half-court heave at the buzzer.
The forward was the No. 9 pick in the 2010 draft by Utah and made the All-Star team with the Jazz in 2016-17. His NBA totals included 12,687 points, 3,698 rebounds, 2,940 assists and 1,111 3-pointers in 835 games.
Hayward was inducted into the Butler Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
“Gordon is on a very short list of the individuals who have meant the most to Butler University over the years,” Matta said. “It’s been incredible to have him and his family around the program more over the last few years, and I’m excited he’s taking on this role and helping us to shape the impact he can have on all aspects of our program. Any time you can deepen the relationship with one of the greatest ever to wear the uniform, it’s a huge win for your program.”
The hiring follows similar moves at Duke (Jayson Tatum), Davidson (Stephen Curry) and Oklahoma (Trae Young), a growing list of NBA players taking on similar roles at their alma maters.
Butler opens the 2025-26 season on Oct. 17, hosting Notre Dame for an exhibition at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The regular season begins Nov. 5 vs. Southern Indiana.
