Matt Valazquez on Haanif Cheatham

[AZWarrior]

Matt went and watched Marquette recruit Haanif Cheatham play.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/284226641.html

[Jay Bee]

Yeah, MU played when Haanif did last night but went today... last night went a lot better for Haanif. Still, good to see him play... Wojo was there.. Haanif's mom is a very vocal fan... she was definitely into the game...Matt talked with her for a good while... would certainly recommend you read his longer story on it when published.

Fletcher Magee is an absolute steal for Wofford. He will rip some people up on their conference.

I took some video of Cheatam as well.. need to go through it.. not a ton of highlights, but a few plays to give folks a taste...

[Texas Western]

Another good article looking forward to the longer version. Haanif is going to be a huge plus for us.

[Markusquette]

I like the work Matt is doing for MU.  Great news on Cheatham. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I have heard that the staff is equally as excited about Haanif as they are with Henry. He should push for immediate playing time

[chapman]

That was his preview piece?  Hunt would have published a blog entry saying "I talked to Hank Cheatum today. Article coming tomorrow."  Then the main article would have been far worse than Matt's teaser. 

[keefe]

I like the work Matt is doing for MU.  Great news on Cheatham. 

But does Patrick Reed approve?

[Markusquette]

But does Patrick Reed approve?

[Daniel]

Matt V is a breath of fresh air!

[Jay Bee]

Fletcher Magee is an absolute steal for Wofford. He will rip some people up on their conference.

Flashback to 2014.

[KampusFoods]

Flashback to 2014.

[Galway Eagle]

Flashback to 2014.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Flashback to 2014.

Great call!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Where is Big Chris nowadays?

Btw, I saw your guy Coffey last night with a strong double double.  The dude looks ready for the NBA.  Going early?

[Jay Bee]

Where is Big Chris nowadays?

Btw, I saw your guy Coffey last night with a strong double double.  The dude looks ready for the NBA.  Going early?

Big Chris - off the court was the issue. Sad.

Amir's still timid on most nights - needs to show more. Usage up to 24%, which is where I saw it for this year. He could boost his draft stock with another year IMO.

http://latenighthoops.com/two-keys-for-minnesota-in-2018-19/#.XHl7GMBKjIU

"As a freshman his usage was 19.2% (but only 17.6% in conference) and as a sophomore it rose to 22.3%, but this increase was helped by the fact he only played in 5 conference games. We'd like to see his usage be at least 24% and believe he's capable of something in the range of 26 to 28% if there is a concerted effort, which there should be.

However, it's difficult to project much past 24% based on his history and known traits. In 25 career Big Ten games, he's had a usage rate of 25% or higher only twice. As a comparison, in Nate Mason's junior year he hit 25% or higher in 15 of 20 games (including the conference tourney)."

Amir is now at 23.9% for the season. In B1G games he's over 24% usage, Minnesota is 7-0. When he's not over 24% usage, Minnesota is 1-10.

[BM1090]

Honestly asking, JB. Is there any player that you've really missed the mark on? Your projection was WAY off?

We see a lot of very good projections from you re: MU, Gophers, sometimes elsewhere. Wondering how often your projections are off.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Big Chris - off the court was the issue. Sad.

Amir's still timid on most nights - needs to show more. Usage up to 24%, which is where I saw it for this year. He could boost his draft stock with another year IMO.

http://latenighthoops.com/two-keys-for-minnesota-in-2018-19/#.XHl7GMBKjIU

"As a freshman his usage was 19.2% (but only 17.6% in conference) and as a sophomore it rose to 22.3%, but this increase was helped by the fact he only played in 5 conference games. We'd like to see his usage be at least 24% and believe he's capable of something in the range of 26 to 28% if there is a concerted effort, which there should be.

However, it's difficult to project much past 24% based on his history and known traits. In 25 career Big Ten games, he's had a usage rate of 25% or higher only twice. As a comparison, in Nate Mason's junior year he hit 25% or higher in 15 of 20 games (including the conference tourney)."

Amir is now at 23.9% for the season. In B1G games he's over 24% usage, Minnesota is 7-0. When he's not over 24% usage, Minnesota is 1-10.

It was against Northwestern but Kpom has them at a Top 80 team (doubtful), but Amir was the only "man" on the court for either team. Pitino had him at point for many sets.  Dominated with 32 and 11 rebounds.

Collins is going backward at NU. Off. Eff. was 0.75.  Team looks like it has quit on him. The redone WR was well done if not half full.

[Benny B]

FFS, can't anyone spell people's names correctly?

[GooooMarquette]

FFS, can't anyone spell people's names correctly?

I can, Bennie!

[Jay Bee]

Honestly asking, JB. Is there any player that you've really missed the mark on? Your projection was WAY off?

We see a lot of very good projections from you re: MU, Gophers, sometimes elsewhere. Wondering how often your projections are off.

When I've seen guys a lot, the projections are usually very good.

A guy I always go back to as 'yeah, didn't see that coming' is Josh Hart. He actually stood out to me when viewing him live in EYBL play because he had one of the best motors I had seen. Just nonstop effort. I thought he could be good, but as a two-way player, glue guy type.. a Sacar Anim type profile in many respects.

As a senior, the guy had a 122 ORtg on 27% usage and 29% %Shots for one of the best teams in the country. Did not see that coming when he was in high school.

I think a lot of it is probably a testament to his hard work and the motor that I saw many years ago.. but, he realized greatness. Yes, you'll still hear 'well rounded', etc. about him.. but what he achieved from an offensive profile perspective is really something.. far better than I would have projected. For Nova, no less.