Hayward's 1st round pick should serve as reminder to other potential draftees

[MarquetteDano]

Outside of the obvious, there is another bonus for Marquette and Buzz in Hayward being drated in the first round.  It should serve as a reminder that, despite what handlers may tell you, a player can play out of position for a large part of his college career and still be drated at his "natural" position as it relates to be NBA.

I have heard way too much around here from potential recruits, former players, and even current players that they want to play a certain position because that is what the NBA will draft them as (sometimes this is not said directly, but it is certainly implied).

I think the fact that Lazar played a lot of time at the 4 and even 5 for Marquette goes to show you can play "out of position" for the needs of the team, and the NBA will recognize that you are a team player and still draft you based on your potential for your "natural NBA" position.

Listening to what several GM's said, I tihnk Lazar playing out of position may even have helped him since it showed he put team before NBA aspirations and also a lot of GM's made comments about him "playing bigger than his size".  Perhaps if Lazar plays the three every minute in his Marquette career none of these things may have been said about Lazar.

[RawdogDX]

+1 

It seems like it should be obvious that you can get an additional skill set this way.  Lazar has post moves and rebounding skills he would not have if he played the 3 for 4 years

[bilsu]

Matthews also played out of his position. Played 3 in college when he was really a 2.

Actually not that uncommon.

George Thompson power forward to guard.
Maurice Lucas center to power forward.
Tatum small forward to guard.