EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame announced its 52^nd induction class for 2013 and former University of Evansville standout Scott Haffner will be a part of that class, which is set to be inducted on March 20, 2013.
 
“It is a great honor for me and puts a smile of gratification on my face,” Haffner said.  “My desire growing up was to mold my work ethic after many of the great inductees in the hall and it is just such an honor to be included amongst the other great players who are there.”
 
It is not very often that one student-athlete makes a lasting impact on a program, but Haffner has done just that.  The Noblesville, Ind. native, who led his high school to a perfect record in 1984, played for the Purple Aces from 1986 through 1989. His 1,686 points stands fifth in program history, 24 points ahead of current UE senior Colt Ryan. 
 
His individual honors are too much to list, but Haffner would be the last one who would want this to be all about him, it is about what his teams accomplished at that time and when you look at what those teams were able to do on the floor, it is something that is extremely special.  He led the Aces to a remarkable 62-26 record in his three seasons with the program, including, but the way he finished his career provided one of the most special moments in program history.  The senior led Evansville to its first NCAA Tournament win at the Division I-A level as the Aces picked up an overtime win over Oregon State.
 
“I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to attend UE; to land in a place like Evansville where they love basketball and have a great tradition of success was perfect for me,” he continued.  “It has been great staying connected in the community through Marty (Simmons) and the team.”
 
More than 20 years following the conclusion of his career, Haffner’s name is very prevalent in the record book.  Fifth in scoring, fifth in scoring average, seventh in assists, second in career free throw percentage and fourth in steals just to name a few.  But there is one night that remains etched in the minds of Aces fans.  A night that is hard for anyone to forget.  A 109-83 win, a 23-for-29 shooting effort and an amazing 11 three-pointers.  That night came on February 23, 1989 when Haffner, then a senior, scored a program record 65 points against Dayton.
 
Easy as it would be to take credit for a performance like that, Haffner quickly pointed out that it was just another day at the office for he and his teammates; UE basketball is not just about one person, it is about a program and taking it to the next level.
 
“The 65-point game was a neat thing, but overall, it was all about being with the guys for four years and the way that we reestablished the way Evansville basketball was played,” Haffner explained.  “My top memory was the journey and the guys that we worked with to build the program back up and get to the NCAA Tournament while being ranked.  Just as special was to see guys like Andy Elkins, Scott Shreffler and Reed Jackson continue that leadership.  Once you set a standard, it is important for the younger guys to understand that and build upon it.”
 
Haffner stays close to UE today, attending games when his busy schedule allows him to while maintaining contact with Coach Simmons and the program.  He could not emphasize enough how proud he is of Coach, the program, its players and the backing that the university has given it.
 
“I am proud of the investment in the UE basketball program; Marty is a great head coach and a perfect representative for young people,” Haffner said.  “He is the best competitor I ever played with and a great role model.  I am so proud of the new facilities; when I talk about UE basketball, there is a great reputation there and it is important to have someone who understands that tradition.  He sets a high standard on and off the court and when people see that team, they understand that those guys are deeper than wins and losses, they are great people.”
 
“I feel very blessed that UE was a large part of my career.  It is a special place with a wonderful past and a bright future.”
 
He is one of 14 with ties to UE who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Others include: Gus Doerner, Robert Hoffman, Larry Humes, Arad McCutchan, Kern McGlothlin, Clarence Riggs, Walter Riggs, Bob Sakel, Don Buse, Bryan Jerrel, Bill Robertson, Steve Welmer and Shelly Brand Adlard.