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Topic: How Cats getting Matt Haarms could actually help them keep EJ Montgomery
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catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 04-10-2020 03:53 PM
The Kentucky Wildcats are working hard to finalize the 2020-21 roster. That includes keeping current players who are considering the NBA, as well as pursuing transfers that become available.
One such transfer is Purdue center Matt Haarms, who is regarded by many as the top frontcourt transfer this offseason, and he’d be a major addition to any school that landed him, Kentucky included. good luck finding a 7-2 center with 210 career blocks that also was a starter on an Elite Eight team that came within a shot of making the Final Four in 2019 that can also hit threes.
When the offseason initially began, there was hope sophomore EJ Montgomery would return and be penciled in as Kentucky’s starting center next season with Keion Brooks Jr. manning the 4 spot. However, the recent buzz has been Montgomery is leaning toward going pro.
Kentucky’s pursuit of Haarms was initially viewed as yet another sign that Montgomery is trending toward the draft, even though the sophomore forward isn’t projected to be drafted and will likely struggle just to earn a two-way deal with an NBA team next season.
However, Kyle Tucker of The Athletic just put out an interesting tidbit on how getting Haarms, a true 5 man, may actually help Kentucky keep Montgomery, who wants to stick to the 4 and be more free to roam the paint and perimeter.
The coaching staff still has hope that Montgomery will see the light and come back in an effort to duplicate Richards’ junior-year leap. In fact, there is some thought that landing Haarms would help lure Montgomery back. He fancies himself a true stretch-4 and isn’t keen on playing center next season, so having another giant to patrol the paint would alleviate that concern.
It makes perfect sense, though one has to wonder if Montgomery would be willing to return and compete with Brooks for that starting 4 spot. Brooks showed a lot of potential down the stretch last season, including his mini breakout game in the win at Florida to end the season.
Link [ 10-11-2020, 07:42 PM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]
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Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
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Bama Cat
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Member # 153
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posted 04-11-2020 01:55 PM
Let's face it Even though Richards had a good year he still may not be ready for the NBA. Montgomery is a step below the mold of Richards and probably won't be drafted. His most likely outcome would be some time in the G League if he is willing.
Posts: 14294 | From: berea, ky, usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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m hamilton
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Member # 127
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posted 04-11-2020 03:35 PM
Sure hope Montgomery and Haarms are on the roster next season!
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Posts: 124743 | From: vevay, IN USA | Registered: Sep 1999
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catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 06-07-2020 04:15 PM
Haarms is already on BYU's roster. He commited to them on Thursday.
Link .
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Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
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