Mattew Hurt Season Preview

nets on nets on nets

All-American
Jun 4, 2015
4,162
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Biggest 4 months of Hurt's career coming up. I gotta say, after watching the highlights of scrimmages/practices, I'm slightly worried. Yes, he's bulked up, but he's moving slow and his shot hasn't gotten any quicker.
The optimistic side of me says Hurt will lead us in scoring at 17 ppg and at least compete defensively. I do think it's huge that he bulked up because ultimately our scariest lineup could be playing Hurt at the 5 with JJ at the 4.
 

christophero

Heisman
May 2, 2017
16,641
20,006
113
I'll admit I was more excited about Hurt before I saw the scrimmage. My guess is the running nature of the scrimmage was closer to an all star game and Hurt will do better with more structure. I think he will average about 15 a game. His minutes may dip if he is not rebounding or playing defense and/or Brakefield or Baker are playing well. But I imagine the starting position is his to lose.
 

AlanInNJ

All-Conference
Feb 25, 2014
1,665
2,462
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I recall watching Hurt against Kansas in November last year. He hit a couple big threes and looked so confident. As the season progressed and as Carey and Stanley improved I thought Hurt was inconsistent and less confident as should be expected from a freshman. I think he's going to get a lot of opportunities at the stretch 4 to knock down some shots this year. If he gets to the rim now and again with added bulk and plays with confidence I think he starts all year, and I think there are multiple games where he is our leading scorer and carries us to victory.
 

timo0402

Heisman
Feb 24, 2009
13,868
13,709
57
I don’t disagree with some of you above on Hurt. I expect Hurt to do those things- whether he does or not is anyone’s guess, but i won’t let that short highlights video from DBP deter me from thinking he won’t be much more consistent this year. I think he will indeed be the five A lot this year, which should be a matchup advantage for us.
 

christophero

Heisman
May 2, 2017
16,641
20,006
113
what about Baker starting and Moore as the 6th man? I guess it will depend on match ups. Unless Baker slumps in his shooting I think he is in the rotation. You need upperclassmen.
 
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AlanInNJ

All-Conference
Feb 25, 2014
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I think Baker would have to be knocking down his spot up threes and not be a complete liability on defense to start regularly. Even when Moore was not shooting well, he was/is a solid defender and ball handler which puts him in the starting position which will be his to lose.

With that said, I don't hate the idea of Moore being that high energy guy coming off the bench as the 6 man who could fill it up on any given night.
 
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timo0402

Heisman
Feb 24, 2009
13,868
13,709
57
what about Baker starting and Moore as the 6th man? I guess it will depend on match ups. Unless Baker slumps in his shooting I think he is in the rotation. You need upperclassmen.
Definitely will need his shooting but after last year, i wouldn’t ever start Joey until he proves he can handle being a starter. His mentality completely changed when he was a starter. What made him so valuable off the bench was his scoring impact and energy. He’s perfect for that role and hope he continues in it.