Butler's Hayward staying in draft

Because final exams at Butler kept him from participating in workouts with NBA teams, Hayward reportedly made his decision based on feedback from the NBA

Because final exams at Butler kept him from participating in workouts with NBA teams, Hayward reportedly made his decision based on feedback from the NBA advisory committee, scouts and agents. His stock as a first-rounder was solidified during a strong NCAA tournament. Hayward was named the West Region's Most Outstanding Player and came within a few inches, in the national title game against Duke, of hitting perhaps the greatest buzzer-beater of all-time.

Butler is scheduled for a rematch with Duke on Dec. 4 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J. Had Hayward returned to school, the Bulldogs would've been considered a top-five team in the preseason; now, they're more likely to be in the lower portion of the top 25.

Hayward's decision to turn pro was first reported by the Indianapolis Star on Wednesday.