Utah Jazz look at Butler's Shelvin Mack, others in workout

SALT LAKE CITY — Gordon Hayward had a little bit of advice for his Butler buddy, Shelvin Mack, in regards to the NBA hopeful's pre-draft workout with the Utah Jazz.

Mack said Hayward told him, "Come in and compete."

One only needed to glance at the 21-year-old guard's sweat-drenched shirt to see that happened during Sunday's session.

And Tyrone Corbin confirmed that the guard, who is leaving the Bulldogs after his junior season, heeded Hayward's suggestion during the first of multiple workouts hosted by the Jazz for draft prospects.

The Jazz coach credited Mack for being in "tremendous shape" — something Mack prides himself in and the first thing Corbin looks for in potential players.

Corbin also admitted to being impressed by the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder.

"He can really shoot the ball," Corbin said. "I didn't see him at Butler handling the ball as much. (But) I think he's a pretty good ballhandler. I think he can make some passes off the dribble."

It's highly unlikely the Jazz would use either their third or 12th picks on Mack. He's generally considered a late first-rounder or second-round prospect (and, keep in mind, Utah traded its second-round selection to Chicago last year).

Even so, general manager Kevin O'Connor likes what Mack has to offer — especially being a winner.

Asked what skills he likes of Mack's, O'Connor said: "His competitiveness and the fact that he's been in a lot of big games and made a lot of big shots and the fact that he helps his team win. Butler's been to the (NCAA) finals twice, the last two years, and that speaks volumes for who he is. One of the (constants) has been the head coach (Brad Stevens) and one of the other (constants) has been him."

Mack's relationship with Hayward was a hot topic at Sunday's workout, which also included possible lottery pick Markieff Morris, a power forward from Kansas; Cleveland State guard Norris Cole; Purdue forward JaJuan Johnson; Ohio State forward Dallas Lauderdale; and overseas pro Jeremy Tyler of San Diego, Calif.

Mack said he would love to be reunited in Utah with his Butler pal.

"He's like a brother to me. I talk to him regularly," Mack said. "It would just be another great opportunity for me."

So did the Jazz pick Hayward's brain about Mack?

"No," O'Connor said. "I asked Mack about how to play Gordon."