Lazar -- Underrated and Versatile

[drewm88]

Sorry if this was already posted.

As part of ESPN's preview, they're listing the top players in various categories. Lazar made Bilas's list of underrated players and Frischilla's list of versatile players.

Bilas: Lazar Hayward, Marquette: The Golden Eagles have been a team of guards, but no player was as consistent in so many important areas as was Hayward last season. He will be the focal point of Marquette of 2009-10.
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4601418&name=bilas_jay

Frischilla: Lazar Hayward, 6-6, Sr., Marquette

Since he arrived in Milwaukee, Hayward has taken on every dirty job that the Golden Eagles have called on him for, including tangling with the beasts of the Big East in the paint. He was tough enough to grab eight rebounds a game last season. Offensively, he is a very effective 3-point shooter who averaged 16 points a game in Marquette's guard-oriented offense. This season, with the graduation of the three outstanding guards, Hayward will called upon to be more versatile than ever.
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4534213&name=ncbexperts

Edit- Maybe this goes along with underrated, but Vitale lists Hayward as honorable mention All-Rolls Royce team. There are seven teams before HM and seven forwards received HM. So he's ranked between 15 and 21.

[KipsBayEagle]

Hayward is actually getting a lot of attention it seems now, and rightfully so.  He was mentioned in both those articles, plus 1st team pre season big east, plus he is being mentioned as a late first early 2nd round pick possible on nba draft.com.  People are really starting to notice Hayward.

[Knight Commission]

It won't be long into this season, when the NBA will begin to believe that he could be the next Paul Pierce.

[nyg]

It won't be long into this season, when the NBA will begin to believe that he could be the next Paul Pierce.

Don't get me wrong, I like Lazar, but he will never be a top 10 NBA draft pick or have an NBA career like Pierce. 

[TomW1365]

It won't be long into this season, when the NBA will begin to believe that he could be the next Paul Pierce.

It won't be long into this season, when the NBA will begin to believe that he could be the next Chris Crawford.

[MU1984]

It won't be long into this season, when the NBA will begin to believe that he could be the next Paul Pierce.

Already pre-gaming for Haunted Hoops, I see.  Well done...

[Moe]

Already pre-gaming for Haunted Hoops, I see.  Well done...

Good first post.

[4everwarriors]

Didn't realize we had so much NBA talent on the roster the past few seasons. I must have been watching MU's JV team.

[Hards Alumni]

Good first post.

+1

[MU1984]

In all seriousness, I think it is going to be difficult for Lazar to be the Novak of 09-10 and live up these expectations..  I hope he I am wrong and he goes off for a 22-10 year, but who is going to be the D-James of this year that takes a lot of the defensive pressure off of Lazar?

[MU1984]

In all seriousness, I think it is going to be difficult for Lazar to be the Novak of 09-10 and live up these expectations..  I hope he I am wrong and he goes off for a 22-10 year, but who is going to be the D-James of this year that takes a lot of the defensive pressure off of Lazar?

Obviously, my first time using a keyboard.  I trust you guys catch my drift.

[Pago Warrior]

Additionally Gary Parrish has Lazar as #20 on his Player Ranking of Top 40 Bigs.  That puts him behind BE brethren Harangody (ND), Ebanks (WV), and Monroe (GU) but ahead of the likes of Samuels (UL), Butler (WV), Robinson (Conn), Jennings (UL), and Koshwal (Depaul)...Debate all you want about the list, but Lazar is definately getting attention.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/12410458

[MarquetteDano]

Athlon Preview has Lazar as the #8 best Inside-Outside player in the nation.

[Markusquette]

I'm not sure if Lazar has the mobility to become a contributor in the NBA.  He could be a three point shooter perhaps, but he needs to work on his footwork and quickness on both sides of the court especially since he is not going to be playing a big man role when in the NBA.  But nonetheless he is a great college player and anything can happen.  I'm looking forward to seeing him lead the team similar to Novak his senior year.

[thanooj]

the thing that gives lazar hope in the nba is that he scores dirty.  It seems like he always scores with bigger guys hanging on him as he works for an open angle to bank it from.  He also has range and can knock down the open three.

Paul Pierce is actually a good comparison for type of player he is.  Now he didn't leave KANSAS after his FRESHMEN year but

[wildbill sb]

Hayward is actually getting a lot of attention it seems now, and rightfully so.  He was mentioned in both those articles, plus 1st team pre season big east, plus he is being mentioned as a late first early 2nd round pick possible on nba draft.com.  People are really starting to notice Hayward.

Whaaaat, deja vu all over again?  Wasn't this shuck and jive song sung last year about the 3 Amigos? 

wildbillsb

[tower912]

I have said this before and I will say it again.    I love Lazar.     But, as a 6'6 (snort) 4/3, he isn't going to be successful in the league.   Who can he guard?   What 3 can he get his shot off against.    What 4 can he post up?   He is a very good college player.    He is going to have to make a quantum leap forward in quickness, athleticism, ballhandling, and quickness of release on his shot to play in the league.    I hope he has.   If so, our prospects for this season just improved.

[muhoosier260]

Obviously, my first time using a keyboard.  I trust you guys catch my drift.

caught the drift, unlike semi-tard mr. hayward. after nearly a year of rants, he still has the grammatical skills of a 9 year old.

stupid first post, you posit the wisdom of a veteran, but have yet to prove that.

[Knight Commission]

thought this was a good thread to bump, in advance of the draft.