3 Things Matt Haarms Brings to the Table
BYU's 2020 NCAA Tournament bid finished before it even started when COVID-19 forced the NCAA to cancel March Madness. BYU relied heavily on seven Seniors last year, especially TJ Haws, Yoeli Childs, Jake Toolson, Dalton Nixon, and Zac Selijaas. Coach Pope attributed BYU's magical season to the senior leadership on the roster.
The coaching staff added more Senior leadership to the upcoming roster when they landed graduate transfer Matt Haarms from Purdue. Haarms is 7'3 with one year of eligibility remaining. Here are three things he will immediately bring to the table when he steps on campus:
1. Rim Protection: Haarms excels in an area where BYU struggled last season - protecting the rim. Haarms averaged more than two blocks per game during every season at Purdue. Haarms is 7'3 so, obviously, he brings elite length. But Haarms' ability to protect the rim extends beyond his length. Haarms mixes his athleticism with his relentless motor and competitive drive around the rim to make life difficult for opposing teams.
2. Senior Leadership: Haarms brings Senior leadership to a team that lost seven Seniors to graduation last season. Quantifying leadership and what that means for next season is impossible, but the impact could become tangible throughout the season.
3. Facilitating the Offense: Haarms averaged 8.6 points per game last year, but he does more on offense than hist stats may suggest. Harms uses his massive frame to free up his teammates with screens. Haarms is a big enough threat down low that he demands attention from opposing defenses. He's also capable of spacing the floor with an occasional three-point shot where he shot 31.3% there last season. Haarms possesses untapped potential that should excite BYU fans.
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