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Before he was an NBA All-Star, Hayward was 'Stickboy' who nearly quit basketball

(Former Brownsburg High School and Butler star Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz was named a Western Conference All-Star reserve on Thursday night. This story was published June 24, 2010, ahead of the NBA draft.)

BROWNSBURG, Ind. -- When Gordon Hayward and twin sister Heather were 10, they started writing letters to Mom on Mother's Day. Over the years, Jody Hayward kept the handwritten notes, binding them in volumes.

Mother and son have often recorded "can-you-believe-it?" moments they have shared. There will be another such entry after tonight, when Gordon Hayward is expected to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft.