Wojo hearts Heldt

[tower912]

Wojo:   Since July, Matt has dropped 20 lbs of fat and added 13 lbs of muscle.   He has gotten play lately because he has earned it in practice, has earned it in the weight room.   Pounds on Luke and Henry every day, can finish around the hoop with either hand.  Working on his foul line jumper.  Has truly embraced it.   Understands that to get better doesn't just happen between 2-5.


Me: This is the kind of project big MU has needed forever.    I expect that by the time Luke graduates, Matt is going to be able to step into the post seamlessly.   Hopefully, by then, the next Matt Heldt will be ready to learn from him. 

[Tugg Speedman]

Wojo:   Since July, Matt has dropped 20 lbs of fat and added 13 lbs of muscle.   He has gotten play lately because he has earned it in practice, has earned it in the weight room.   Pounds on Luke and Henry every day, can finish around the hoop with either hand.  Working on his foul line jumper.  Has truly embraced it.   Understands that to get better doesn't just happen between 2-5.


Me: This is the kind of project big MU has needed forever.    I expect that by the time Luke graduates, Matt is going to be able to step into the post seamlessly.   Hopefully, by then, the next Matt Heldt will be ready to learn from him.

From your lips to god's ears.

[Skatastrophy]

Wojo:   Since July, Matt has dropped 20 lbs of fat and added 13 lbs of muscle.   He has gotten play lately because he has earned it in practice, has earned it in the weight room.   Pounds on Luke and Henry every day, can finish around the hoop with either hand.  Working on his foul line jumper.  Has truly embraced it.   Understands that to get better doesn't just happen between 2-5.


Me: This is the kind of project big MU has needed forever.    I expect that by the time Luke graduates, Matt is going to be able to step into the post seamlessly.   Hopefully, by then, the next Matt Heldt will be ready to learn from him. 

That's in one year. I sure hope you're right!

[MUFlutieEffect]

That's in one year. I sure hope you're right!

Closer to two years, really - Heldt needs to be ready by November of 2017...

[PGsHeroes32]

With how kinda uncoordinated(maybe not right word) and clumsy he's looked a lot of times early this year I was kinda hesitant.

But in the Prov game I became very encouraged. Still not fluid at all but in little spurts against a great team he fit in. Got in rebounding position a couple of times and cleared guys out. And his missed shot attempt he literally spun the wrong way, but still got open and a good look.

He didn't even really do anything vs Prov but just watching him left me with thinking that by Junior year when Luke is gone...he could be a very quality player.

[Herman Cain]

Wojo:   Since July, Matt has dropped 20 lbs of fat and added 13 lbs of muscle.   He has gotten play lately because he has earned it in practice, has earned it in the weight room.   Pounds on Luke and Henry every day, can finish around the hoop with either hand.  Working on his foul line jumper.  Has truly embraced it.   Understands that to get better doesn't just happen between 2-5.


Me: This is the kind of project big MU has needed forever.    I expect that by the time Luke graduates, Matt is going to be able to step into the post seamlessly.   Hopefully, by then, the next Matt Heldt will be ready to learn from him.

Todd Smith does a great job with the kids in the weight room. Matt has the tools. For him it is more a function of developing the confidence necessary to play at the higher speed of  the college level. Matt is going to have a nice steady progression. I think by the time conference season rolls around next year he will be making a steady contribution. One thing I have noticed is that he has a very good relationship with the entire team.  Being respected by your teammates makes the climb easier.

[MerrittsMustache]

I think Heldt will be a Chris Otule type of player. Big bodied, role player but with a bit more offense.

[avid1010]

Wojo:   Since July, Matt has dropped 20 lbs of fat and added 13 lbs of muscle.   He has gotten play lately because he has earned it in practice, has earned it in the weight room.   Pounds on Luke and Henry every day, can finish around the hoop with either hand.  Working on his foul line jumper.  Has truly embraced it.   Understands that to get better doesn't just happen between 2-5.

luke needs to get pounded on in practice...

[MuMark]

I think Heldt will be a Chris Otule type of player. Big bodied, role player but with a bit more offense.

Matt will never be the defender that CO was but he has potential,to be a very good offensive center. Much better low post moves with the potential to eventually be a pick and pop threat which Chris obviously never was.

[mu03eng]

I'd say right now he is at senior year Grimm Reaper level. Come next year I think he could be a 5-10 min a game contributor depending on roster make-up. I think his ceiling is probably a poor man's Robert Jackson or a Marcus Jackson without the PG skills 

[Windyplayer]

I'd say right now he is at senior year Grimm Reaper level.

I haven't seen him throw down a fast break 2-handed dunk yet (in South Bend).

[jesmu84]

Todd Smith does a great job with the kids in the weight room. Matt has the tools. For him it is more a function of developing the confidence necessary to play at the higher speed of  the college level. Matt is going to have a nice steady progression. I think by the time conference season rolls around next year he will be making a steady contribution. One thing I have noticed is that he has a very good relationship with the entire team.  Being respected by your teammates makes the climb easier.

Does JJJ have the respect of his teammates? What about Henry?

[MUfan12]

I'd say right now he is at senior year Grimm Reaper level.

He's not nearly as proficient of a moving screener.

[mu03eng]

He's not nearly as proficient of a moving screener.

The Grimm Reaper would be nearly useless in today's college basketball but damn it if I didn't love him when he played.

[brandx]

But in the Prov game I became very encouraged. Still not fluid at all but in little spurts against a great team he fit in. Got in rebounding position a couple of times and cleared guys out. And his missed shot attempt he literally spun the wrong way, but still got open and a good look.

He didn't even really do anything vs Prov but just watching him left me with thinking that by Junior year when Luke is gone...he could be a very quality player.

I felt the same way. I thought it was the 1st time this year that he looked comfortable on the floor rather than scared (probably the wrong word choice, but it came to mind first)

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

He's not nearly as proficient of a moving screener.

hahaha, he gets a moving screen violation every single time.

[Stretchdeltsig]

It's great to see Matt getting playing time.  I think he will contribute more every year.  He's got a great winning team attitude.

[jesmu84]

hahaha, he gets a moving screen violation every single time.

Moving screen calls are a joke. Have any of you watched off-the-ball screens? 99% of them should be called.

[robmufan]

Speaking of Chris Otule, did you guys know he played with 1 eye?   

[rocket surgeon]

Closer to two years, really - Heldt needs to be ready by November of 2017...

i'd say he needs to be ready when called upon.  sounds like he's getting better every day.  he is looking more and more comfortable out there

[real chili 83]

I haven't seen him throw down a fast break 2-handed dunk yet (in South Bend).

Even I've done that.

[naginiF]

Even I've done that.

Same here - pretty easy given the amount of easy targets in South Bend.

*EDIT - I thought this was about throwing down two handed 'drunks', not 'dunks'.  My bad.