Big Red Louie
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Louisville basketball: Three centers who could fill remaining roster spot

By Jacob Lane

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 02: Mattias Markusson #14 of the Loyola Marymount Lions goes for a jump shot against Moses Brown #1 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of the NCAA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion on December 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 02: Mattias Markusson #14 of the Loyola Marymount Lions goes for a jump shot against Moses Brown #1 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of the NCAA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion on December 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Matt Haarms #32 of the Purdue Boilermakers knocks the ball away from Mike Watkins #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Mackey Arena on February 11, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Matt Haarms #32 of the Purdue Boilermakers knocks the ball away from Mike Watkins #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Mackey Arena on February 11, 2020 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Matt Haarms – Purdue

Redshirt senior

If you’ve watched college basketball over the last few seasons you’re probably familar with former Purdue big man, Matt Haarms. Whether it was playing alongside Isaac Haas and forming the tallest frontcourts in college basketball (aside from maybe FSU), his shot-blocking prowess, or his Justin Bieber like hair flips, Haarms is a player that has caught the eyes of fans for the last several seasons.

After “blindsiding” Purdue with his intent to transfer, Louisville was one of many high-major programs to reach out to Haarms expressing interest in landing his talents next season to the delight of fans across social media.  At 7’3, Haarms is easily the most talented and experienced big on the “free agent” market and it makes sense as to why he’d have so much interest.

Our own Alan Thomas explored how Haarms would fit at Louisville, should he decide to don the red and black. And while I agree with the points that Alan made, I personally don’t see a big enough role or enough minutes to attract a player of his caliber when being recruited by other elite programs with openings in the starting lineup.

That doesn’t mean Chris Mack and Louisville see things the same way, and it’s obvious they feel they have something to offer Haarms in his final season of eligibility before he goes on to earn a buttload of money at the professional ranks.

If Haarms were to end up at Louisville, my expectation would be for Louisville to spend a lot of time with returning senior Malik Williams at the four. Williams has shown the ability to play that position, especially earlier in his career, using his athleticism to guard smaller players and his shooting ability to knock shots down from deep.

Haarms took a bit of a step back in 2019-20 after a breakout season the year prior in which the Boilermakers made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. After starting 23 games as a sophomore, Haarms started just 15 this past year in a season where he was expected to be the guy for Purdue, averaging only 8.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.

A fresh start will be beneficial to Haarms and should it happen at Louisville, he’d instantly bring game-changing rim protection, a new level of intensity that Chris Mack is looking for and another rebounder to add to an already talented group.

If Mack is interested in adding another center, it has to start with Matt Haarms.

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