Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Tom Kirkland caught up with rookie forward Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz, to ask him about his transition from college basketball to the NBA.
Hayward said that nothing really surprised him about training camp because he was able to spend the summer with the Jazz. He knows there is much to learn, especially in a Jerry Sloan system, but was excited to make an impact on the team.
Asked about living away from home and adjusting his comfort level to his new way of life, Hayward said:
"You've just got to start one. I think that just comes with being here and the more time that you're here. Eventually you'll get into that groove and into that comfort zone, but right now I've just been doing the same thing almost every single day."
As a new rookie on the team, Tom asked what Hayward's routine involved.
Hayward joked, "Being a rookie, I've got to go get the bagels in the morning, so that's become part of the routine."
Hayward's routine consists of taking some shots before practice, working with the team, and then taking more shots following practice. Also, he said that it was important to relax, especially when the team is practicing twice a day.
Hayward feels confident in his role as a member of the Jazz and knows that there is a reason for the team drafting him. He felt that it was good to remember that the team drafted him for a reason, which helps him know that the front office and the coaches believed in him.
Lastly, Hayward related his reasoning for buying a Honda Accord instead of a more expensive car:
"I'm trying to be smart about it. You never know, I mean, tomorrow's a promise to no one, so right now I'm just trying to save as much money as I can. I think the Accord is a very nice car for me personally."
With his "decked out" Honda Accord, Gordon Hayward looks to find a spot on the team as he continues to prove himself to Coach Sloan and the Jazz organization.
