Sam's development

[Marcus92]

A look at Sam Hauser's performance 10 games into his sophomore season, and a comparison to Lazar Hayward's progress at a similar point in his career (selected stats from KenPom.com):

Sam Hauser
2016-17    13.6 %Poss    62.7 eFG%    127.8 ORtg    17.9 DR%    8.3 ARate     10.8 TORate
2017-18    18.8 %Poss    63.0 eFG%    125.6 ORtg    16.9 DR%    14.6 ARate   15.5 TORate

In other words, Sam is maintaining the same efficient offense while dramatically increasing his usage. He's taking more shots, both 3-pointers and 2-pointers. And he's handling the ball more. This shows in the raw stats, as well — from 8.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 1.3 apg as a freshman to 13.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.5 apg as a sophomore.

Lazar Hayward
2006-07    22.5 %Poss    45.4 eFG%    100.5 ORtg    13.2 DR%    3.8 ARate     16.5 TORate
2007-08    23.6 %Poss    53.6 eFG%    109.8 ORtg    20.8 DR%    4.9 ARate     17.4 TORate

Sam's outstanding shooting sets him apart from virtually every forward who's ever played at Marquette. But it's interesting to see how he's progressing compared to another recent great. Lazar was a higher-volume shooter and better rebounder. But despite defining the "middle of the zone" role, he wasn't known as a great passer. After averaging 6.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 0.3 apg as a freshman, Hayward improved to 12.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 0.6 apg as sophomore.

[wadesworld]

I've been saying it since the Vandy game last year.  Sam is the next Warrior to play in the Association.  Doesn't do anything amazingly (well, he does shoot it pretty amazingly), but does everything well.  He will need to improve his ability to beat defenders off the bounce if he wants to actually see real court time in the NBA, but a 6'8" shooter who doesn't make mistakes and defends better than his athleticism suggests he should be able to has a spot on an NBA bench, at the very least.  His ceiling is a poor man's Gordon Hayward.

[Galway Eagle]

If sam can be what Lazar was then we’ll be back and then some.

[GGGG]

So is this compared to the entirety of Sam's freshman season?  Because my guess is that he will be less efficient as MU moves into the BE part of the season.

[Marcus92]

So is this compared to the entirety of Sam's freshman season?  Because my guess is that he will be less efficient as MU moves into the BE part of the season.

Good point — it's not a 1-to-1 comparison. Just progress to date. And there are limits to any comparisons between players from different seasons. That said, I do think Marquette's strength of schedule so far this season is a good indicator. Sam passes the eye test for me; he looks more confident playing a bigger role in the offense, and is taking shots (post-ups, mid-range jumpers) that he rarely attempted a year ago.

[Marcus92]

To be clear, stats are for Sam's entire freshman season and this season to date. Lazar's stats are for his entire freshman and sophomore seasons.

[Marcus92]

In terms of usage, shooting percentages and offensive efficiency, Sam actually tracks nicely with Steve Novak. I expect that he'll exceed all of Steve's records for 3-point shooting. Sam's also a better player in other key aspects, such as rebounding and passing.

Steve Novak
2002-03    14.6 %Poss    71.1 eFG%    143.5 ORtg    11.3 DR%    6.1 ARate    14.3 TORate
2003-04    18.4 %Poss    56.0 eFG%    120.6 ORtg    14.0 DR%    9.2 ARate    15.5 TORate

After averaging 6.7 ppg, 2.2 mpg and 0.5 apg as a freshman, Steve posted 12.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.3 apg in his sophomore season.

[GooooMarquette]

Sam is a great all-around player.  Love watching him progress.

[Jockey]

Sam is a great all-around player.  Love watching him progress.

Agree. Watching guys like Sam get better and better is what is fun about college basketball.

[Dr. Blackheart]

How does Bo (and Gard) miss on him?  Too much rubadub...

[Windyplayer]

Agree. Watching guys like Sam get better and better is what is fun about college basketball.

Players and, as a result, the team. Improvement can often be drastic in a short period of time - why it's always a good idea to relax after a few early season Ls. These sorts of leaps in growth are by and large absent in the NBA for obvious reasons. Of course, it's not always steep linear incline. The road is sometimes bumpy as a hell (and sometimes the car breaks down). One of the many reasons why NCAA hoops is simply more exciting than the NBA.

[wadesworld]

How does Bo (and Gard) miss on him?  Too much rubadub...

Too busy BOning someone half his age on taxpayers' dime to take note of Sam.  So you wind up with a recruiting class of D'Mitrik Trice and Aleem Ford.

[GB Warrior]

Too busy BOning someone half his age on taxpayers' dime to take note of Sam.  So you wind up with a recruiting class of D'Mitrik Trice and Aleem Ford.

This will be a stain on the masseuse's table his legacy

[Jay Bee]

I'd also point out the expansion of his game, which you'll continue to see expand (nh). Last year was largely a spot up 3 guy.

2FGA/FGA
Soph 40.6%
Frosh 32.2%

and, as noted in the OP:
Assist rate
Soph 14.6
Frosh 8.3

[T-Bone]

He’s a ghost of Lazar.

[We R Final Four]

How does Bo (and Gard) miss on him?  Too much rubadub...

I always thought it was more of a pass, than a miss. Unbelievable.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Sam is smooth.  Doesn’t make mistakes.   Shoots lights out.  Can easily shoot 20 ppl.  He makes the rodents Decker look like a klutz.

[Jockey]

Sam is smooth.  Doesn’t make mistakes.   Shoots lights out.  Can easily shoot 20 ppl.  He makes the rodents Decker look like a klutz.

No he doesn't.  This is just a very stupid statement.

[brewcity77]

No he doesn't.  This is just a very stupid statement.

Agreed. Sam Dekker doesn't need Sam Hauser to make him look like a klutz, he does that just fine on his own.

[Eldon]

Sam is smooth.  Doesn’t make mistakes.   Shoots lights out.  Can easily shoot 20 ppl.  He makes the rodents Decker look like a klutz.

And not lose a single vote.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

And not lose a single vote.

I chuckled

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

And not lose a single vote.

Well done.

[MU82]

And not lose a single vote.

If I knew how to do the applause meme, I would!

As for Sam ...

I'd also use the applause meme for wades. I agree with him that Sam could be an NBA player if he continues to improve and get physically stronger. Lots of positives and intangibles.

Gordon Hayward has been quicker and more explosive than Sam, who reminds me more of a Calbert Cheaney type.

[Goose]

Sam has definitely improved year over year IMO. Not sure I think he is a NBA guy, but think he can be a very good college player. He still has upside in him and should continue to improve.

[brewcity77]

With Sam's sound basketball skills, shooting, and adequate size, I could see him playing in the NBA. I don't think he'd ever be a star, but I do think he could carve out the kind of role a Kyle Korver, Wayne Ellington, or Wes Matthews plays where they just play sound basketball and shoot threes.