Author Topic: Matt Heldt's ceiling (Read 8100 times)

tower912 · « **on:** February 12, 2016, 11:29:50 AM »

Yeah, I'm that bored.

Matt is exactly the type of big man that neither Crean nor Buzz could land. A program big, one who grows and develops and is significantly better as a senior than he was as a freshman. The kind that Bo made a career with. Land a Matt Heldt every year or two and your program remains on solid footing. I am thrilled hearing that he has radically changed his body in the months he has been on campus, exchanging baby fat for muscle. I wanted Wojo to find more minutes for him against cupcakes, but the cupcakes didn't have enough big men to warrant him coming off of the bench, and I don't think he can guard a quick guy in space yet. When he has come in for Luke during conference play, other than the moving picks, he hasn't been bad. He has been what you expect a freshman big to be. Energetic, awkward, a little unsure of where he is supposed to be and how he is supposed to use his body against guys his size with more experience. I have no complaints.

His ceiling? I think he will be ready to step in and start when Luke leaves after next year. I don't think he will ever be a 16-9 guy, but I think in two years he can start and be a 9-7 guy. In a perfect world, in two years there will be another guy just like him arriving on campus.

LAMUfan · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:36:46 AM »

I would say Buzz did recruit a guy like that in Otule, although he was here for longer than 4 years. I would expect Matt to be better than Chris.

keefe · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:38:07 AM »

Marquette under Al was always known for its great guard play but, as you point out, the anchor of the success was Al's ability to consistently land aircraft carriers.

The first sign that karma had changed was when Hank whiffed on Bowie and we signed Marquardt. At the time we were sorely disappointed but two years later we would have killed to sign another Marquardt when we struck out on Downing.

hdog1017 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:58:21 AM »

Jarrod Lovette

Goose · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:11:41 PM »

Keefe

I was a big Sir Walter guy, but agree that it is far from home run landing him. Losing out on Bowie hurt big time.

brandx · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:11:52 PM »

Quote from: keefe on February 12, 2016, 11:38:07 AM

Marquette under Al was always known for its great guard play but, as you point out, the anchor of the success was Al's ability to consistently land aircraft carriers.

The first sign that karma had changed was when Hank whiffed on Bowie and we signed Marquardt. At the time we were sorely disappointed but two years later we would have killed to sign another Marquardt when we struck out on Downing.

I think not getting Downing was always the biggest disappointment for Rick in his basketball life. Just as in the case of Doc, Walter was a guy that Rick had a relationship with for years before his college days.

Aircraftcarrier · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:30:50 PM »

I think Rick biggest disappointment was when he didn't land Joe Wolf.He was Head Coach then and landing Wolf would have been huge for his career at MU.

Nukem2 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:31:43 PM »

Quote from: LAMUfan on February 12, 2016, 11:36:46 AM

I would say Buzz did recruit a guy like that in Otule, although he was here for longer than 4 years. I would expect Matt to be better than Chris.

Actually, Chris was signed by tom Crean. though, buzz was the assistant who knew the HS coach. Looking forward to seeing Matt develop.

Stretchdeltsig · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:34:50 PM »

I like Matt's game. He has a great attitude, is a team player, good rebounder and shot blocker. He will help this team win every year.

LAMUfan · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:40:14 PM »

Quote from: Nukem2 on February 12, 2016, 12:31:43 PM

Actually, Chris was signed by tom Crean. though, buzz was the assistant who knew the HS coach. Looking forward to seeing Matt develop.

right, so did buzz get him to stay during the transition? ala sandy cohen with wojo?

Goose · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:47:23 PM »

Jolf Wolf was Rick's biggest disappointment by a wide margin. There was much behind the scene with Walter and really out of Rick's hands. Joe Wolf hurt far more than Walter going to DePaul for a couple of years.

As for Matt's ceiling, I think about seven feet and not a great deal more than that.

Aircraftcarrier · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:54:28 PM »

Walter wanted to come to MU.His Mother had a different opinion.

brandx · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:58:13 PM »

Quote from: Aircraftcarrier on February 12, 2016, 12:30:50 PM

I think Rick biggest disappointment was when he didn't land Joe Wolf.He was Head Coach then and landing Wolf would have been huge for his career at MU.

You may be right.

I said Downing because Rick thought he had him for sure. With Wolf, it was between us and NC and it was generally thought NC was the leader.

keefe · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:02:27 PM »

Quote from: Goose on February 12, 2016, 12:11:41 PM

Keefe

I was a big Sir Walter guy, but agree that it is far from home run landing him. Losing out on Bowie hurt big time.

I remember how Downing came down to MU and DePaul. When he announced DePaul it seemed like the end of the world. We turned around and signed Lloyd Moore and we all know how that turned out.

Hank continued to sign great guards. But unlike Al, he never could get the aircraft carrier.

Goose · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:04:51 PM »

Walter was tough because he wanted to be at MU. Outside "distractions" made that not happen.

4everwarriors · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:04:57 PM »

Had Wolf come ta MU, Rick would still be our coach, ai na?

Goose · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:09:01 PM »

Doc,

As you know as well as anyone, losing Wolf changed MU basketball a great deal. Really was a big hit to the program. Rick 100% thought he landed him up to the last hour prior to decision.

We R Final Four · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:14:54 PM »

Tower--I like you, have been on the MH bandwagon all along. Some people think he is a slow plodder. He has dropped weight already, banging more inside, and a sideline cheerleader.
He is in a great spot this year. Not really needed. Next year we will count on him more. Junior year he will be a solid force. When he is a junior, get a similar player coming in as a freshmen. That works for me.

GGGG · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:17:48 PM »

Quote from: We R Final Four on February 12, 2016, 01:14:54 PM

Tower--I like you, have been on the MH bandwagon all along. Some people think he is a slow plodder. He has dropped weight already, banging more inside, and a sideline cheerleader.
He is in a great spot this year. Not really needed. Next year we will count on him more. Junior year he will be a solid force. When he is a junior, get a similar player coming in as a freshmen. That works for me.

I am with you on this. He looked completely lost early this season and how can make solid contributions in limited minutes. Never will be a star, but will be considered a solid player.

Litehouse · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:18:17 PM »

Quote from: 4everwarriors on February 12, 2016, 01:04:57 PM

Had Wolf come ta MU, Rick would still be our coach, ai na?

Well, at least until 2012.

GGGG · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:19:44 PM »

Quote from: Litehouse on February 12, 2016, 01:18:17 PM

Well, at least until 2012.

OK. I laughed.

T-Bone · « **Reply #21 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:38:33 PM »

Amal McCaskill

The Lens · « **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:43:26 PM »

Jarod Lovette had a much more impactfull season as a freshmen.

keefe · « **Reply #23 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:44:43 PM »

Quote from: Goose on February 12, 2016, 12:11:41 PM

Keefe

I was a big Sir Walter guy, but agree that it is far from home run landing him. Losing out on Bowie hurt big time.

Bowie was the beginning of the end. Al stays he we sign Bowie.

muhoops1 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 12, 2016, 01:46:47 PM »

Quote from: Goose on February 12, 2016, 12:11:41 PM

Keefe

I was a big Sir Walter guy, but agree that it is far from home run landing him. Losing out on Bowie hurt big time.

Didn't Walter have a shoulder injury by the time he got to MU? As I recall, he was more than serviceable. I think he had a big game @ Creighton his Sr. year. Also, I remember seeing him outside the players locker room as a kid and thinking he was Moses Malone. He looked older than Moses back then too....

LloydsLegs · « **Reply #25 on:** February 12, 2016, 02:08:38 PM »

Quote from: keefe on February 12, 2016, 01:02:27 PM

I remember how Downing came down to MU and DePaul. When he announced DePaul it seemed like the end of the world. We turned around and signed Lloyd Moore and we all know how that turned out.

Hank continued to sign great guards. But unlike Al, he never could get the aircraft carrier.

Lloyd Moore was a program changer.

Unfortunately for MU, the program had previously been top flight.

Anti-Dentite · « **Reply #26 on:** February 12, 2016, 04:43:44 PM »

Matt Heldt should insist on 9 foot ceilings, he is pretty tall.

Marcus92 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:15:50 PM »

Even if Matt isn't getting a lot of game time right now, I wouldn't discount the experience of practicing against Henry and Luke every day.

4everwarriors · « **Reply #28 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:38:14 PM »

Downing separated his shoulder while playin' for da Warriors vs Northwestern, hey?

Da 'Lanche · « **Reply #29 on:** February 12, 2016, 09:47:08 PM »

Yeah, but will Matt play a bass guitar during the star spangled banner in his last home game as a senior…ala Walter Downing??? Anyone else remember that moment from big Walter on his senior day? Sadly, that was the highlight of the center position for Marquette over the next few years as it then went to a serviceable Tom Copa and then began a free fall to the Joe Nathan, Rod Gross and Roman Mueller's of the world. I went to MU from 1984-1988….my freshman year was only 7 years following the national championship and by my senior year it felt like 70.

Herman Cain · « **Reply #30 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:25:58 PM »

Heldt is going to be a pretty good player by the time he is an upper classmen. I think he will be 11-12 points a game 6-7 boards and pretty dependable. Would like to see him get some more time against the cupcakes next year.

real chili 83 · « **Reply #31 on:** February 13, 2016, 04:05:25 AM »

Quote from: Nukem2 on February 12, 2016, 12:31:43 PM

Actually, Chris was signed by tom Crean. though, buzz was the assistant who knew the HS coach. Looking forward to seeing Matt develop.

Wasn't Chris signed by Al?

real chili 83 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 13, 2016, 04:11:06 AM »

Walter was at the end of the day a big turd. I remember the play where he dislocated his shoulder. Dude was in major pain. Not the impact player we thought he would be.

dgies9156 · « **Reply #33 on:** February 13, 2016, 08:09:04 AM »

Quote from: Aircraftcarrier on February 12, 2016, 12:30:50 PM

I think Rick biggest disappointment was when he didn't land Joe Wolf.He was Head Coach then and landing Wolf would have been huge for his career at MU.

Landing Joe Wolf would have said, "weeeee'reeeeeee baaaaaaccckkkk!"

The lesson in this is that a coach has to sign the "one" big fish. For Al, it was George Thompson. For Hank, it was Glenn Rivers. Kevin's was big Jim and Crean's was DWade. These guys send a message that a school is big time and for real. Especially if they develop, like DWade or George Thompson, into something truly special. Once these guys are signed, the dam breaks and the great players consider Marquette.

I'm hoping Ellenson turns into this generation's George Thompson or DWade.

dgies9156 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 13, 2016, 08:10:44 AM »

Quote from: real chili 83 on February 13, 2016, 04:11:06 AM

Walter was at the end of the day a big turd. I remember the play where he dislocated his shoulder. Dude was in major pain. Not the impact player we thought he would be.

4:11 a.m., Chili?

Were you just back from the bars? Or was that Real Chili going nuclear in your digestive system?

Or were you having a heart attack from all that Real Chili and its effects on your circulatory system?

real chili 83 · « **Reply #35 on:** February 13, 2016, 11:14:11 AM »

Quote from: dgies9156 on February 13, 2016, 08:10:44 AM

4:11 a.m., Chili?

Were you just back from the bars? Or was that Real Chili going nuclear in your digestive system?

Or were you having a heart attack from all that Real Chili and its effects on your circulatory system?

Nope, fell asleep on the couch. Woke up about that time. The other options were viable about 20 years ago.

. However, I do plan to attempt all of those options on February 27th after my Warriors put a whoopin on the #1 team in the country. A bunch of my fellow '83 alum will start at Buck Bradley's. We've got the Uline suite for the game, then a spot reserved at Turners for after the game. I'd wager at least a dollar that the evening will end at Real Chili. Life will be good.

dgies9156 · « **Reply #36 on:** February 13, 2016, 02:53:44 PM »

Quote from: real chili 83 on February 13, 2016, 11:14:11 AM

Nope, fell asleep on the couch. Woke up about that time. The other options were viable about 20 years ago. . However, I do plan to attempt all of those options on February 27th after my Warriors put a whoopin on the #1 team in the country. A bunch of my fellow '83 alum will start at Buck Bradley's. We've got the Uline suite for the game, then a spot reserved at Turners for after the game. I'd wager at least a dollar that the evening will end at Real Chili. Life will be good.

Have four tickets to the same whoopin. Think Ms. DGies might be with me as well. She does not like and never did like Real Chili. Something about preventing excessive plaque build-up on her arterial walls.

The Equalizer · « **Reply #37 on:** February 13, 2016, 04:38:16 PM »

Quote from: dgies9156 on February 13, 2016, 08:09:04 AM

Landing Joe Wolf would have said, "weeeee'reeeeeee baaaaaaccckkkk!"

The lesson in this is that a coach has to sign the "one" big fish. For Al, it was George Thompson. For Hank, it was Glenn Rivers. Kevin's was big Jim and Crean's was DWade. These guys send a message that a school is big time and for real. Especially if they develop, like DWade or George Thompson, into something truly special. Once these guys are signed, the dam breaks and the great players consider Marquette.

I'm hoping Ellenson turns into this generation's George Thompson or DWade.

Merritt was the far more important recruit for Crean. He was the first high-profile guy he went after, best player in the state, ranked in the top 100, recruited against Michigan State, Ohio State and Illinois. Wade wasn't top 100 and not even in the top 5 for Illinois Mr. Basketball his senior year.