[FlameFan11]

Had heard talk of Hayden as a possibility but nice to see he chose Liberty. It may be a walk on situation which could save a scholarship. Either way, more size to the roster is a plus. He has nice form and touch on the offensive end and length on the defensive end. Physical strength will be the #1 priority.

Look at the roster Coach McKay has put together for next season. This should get Flames Nation excited.

1 - Barmore, Astencia
2 - Dawson, Kemrite, Cabill
3 - Gardner, Reid, Homesley
4 - Talbert, Talbert
5 - Maxwell, Koval

Nice looking 12 right there. So much versatility/depth and a ton of perimeter shooting. That is a roster that can get us back to the top of the conference. Here's hoping we can keep everyone healthy and in the fold. Congrats to Coach McKay and his staff. Very impressive for being on the job for 6 months.

[olldflame]

Had heard talk of Hayden as a possibility but nice to see he chose Liberty. It may be a walk on situation which could save a scholarship. Either way, more size to the roster is a plus. He has nice form and touch on the offensive end and length on the defensive end. Physical strength will be the #1 priority.

Look at the roster Coach McKay has put together for next season. This should get Flames Nation excited.

1 - Barmore, Astencia
2 - Dawson, Kemrite, Cabill
3 - Gardner, Reid, Homesley
4 - Talbert, Talbert
5 - Maxwell, Koval

Nice looking 12 right there. So much versatility/depth and a ton of perimeter shooting. That is a roster that can get us back to the top of the conference. Here's hoping we can keep everyone healthy and in the fold. Congrats to Coach McKay and his staff. Very impressive for being on the job for 6 months.

With a scholarship offer from ORU I doubt Hayden would pay his own way to come to Liberty, but stranger things have happened.

[Purple Haize]

And he also plays baseball. Gotta be a pitcher. ¨The ëven bigger unit¨.

ATrain is DEFINITELY going to check him out now!

[SuperJon]

Nothing says Liberty basketball quite like a seven foot tall homeschooled white kid.

I hope he's the one to break the stereotype.

[olldflame]

Nothing says Liberty basketball quite like a seven foot tall homeschooled white kid.

I hope he's the one to break the stereotype.

This kid does NOT play for Butternut.

[Cider Jim]

Has anyone seen this YouTube video highlight reel of Hayden's? The boy can even hit an open 3-pointer!

[youtube]

[/youtube]

If we get this one 7-footer, would it make it that much easier to sign Newton, the 7'2" guy from Roanoke? Imagine having two 7-footers on the same LU team for 3 years!

[olldflame]

Has anyone seen this YouTube video highlight reel of Hayden's? The boy can even hit an open 3-pointer!

If we get this one 7-footer, would it make it that much easier to sign Newton, the 7'2" guy from Roanoke? Imagine having two 7-footers on the same LU team for 3 years!

The conventional wisdom is that kids want to play and being able to get on the court is often one of the key factors in their decision, so having another competitor on the roster for minutes at the center position could hurt us. It is also possible that they like Hayden enough that they decided if we could land him we don´t need Newton. Not likely, but possible. McKay has been giving Maxwell´s height at 6´11¨recently so signing Newton would actually give us 3 players right in the 7 foot range. I´m not sure we need that. Comparing the video of Hayden and Brendan I would say Brendan is the better shot blocker but Hayden clearly has a much more developed offensive game, as he should being a senior.

[olldflame]

Every silver lining has a cloud, and recruiting 8 freshmen and bringing in 2 transfers in 2 recruiting seasons is no exception. If we count Myo Baxter-Bell, who is currently with the team as an academic redshirt, we are now at the scholarship limit for next year. We will have zero Seniors on the roster. We already have verbals from Jay Barber and Elijah Cuffee and an open offer to Newton for the 2017 class. We won´t need a schollie for Barber, but that still leaves us 2 short if we sign Newton and one even if we don´t. Anyway you look at it, at least one player on the current roster would have to move on.

All of this also means we are virtually done with recruiting for the next 2 classes. We already have an offer to a PG from Cincinnatti for 2018, when we should have 4 spots available. In the 40 plus years I have followed Liberty basketball we have NEVER been in a position to recruit that far ahead.

[Cider Jim]

I realize the video is a small sample size against undersized and probably weak competition, and that he's used to coaching GIRLS, but I'd still be curious see to what Coach Haize thinks of Hayden's skill set.

[Purple Haize]

I realize the video is a small sample size against undersized and probably weak competition, and that he's used to coaching GIRLS, but I'd still be curious see to what Coach Haize thinks of Hayden's skill set.

Ha. I haven't looked at it. And I'm not scrolling back to look for it

As for multiple 7 footers that's not a bad thing, especially depending on skill set. Just like having multiple 6'8" guys. Remember Nowitzki and Durant are 7 footers.

[Cider Jim]

Come on, Coach Purple, give us a scouting report.

I'd rather hear it from you than BJ.

[Purple Haize]

Come on, Coach Purple, give us a scouting report.

I'd rather hear it from you than BJ.

Ok
1- get a haircut
2- whoever put the tape together hit a lot of things that you look for. Well done
3- the competition is atrocious. It would have been nice to see him against better competition to get a better feel
4- like the shooting form.
5- not going to be a typical back to the basket big but did appreciate the hook shot
6- needs to bulk up but who doesn't at that age
7- runs the floor very well
8- would like to have seen him defend the perimeter. I'm thinking he's a solid stretch 4 but would toy with him at a 3 in a big line up
9- he will pass out of a double team but can be find the 2nd option out of the double team
10- he keeps the ball high which is a huge plus at his age

Bottom line: he looks like he has base skills but the competition was SO BAD in the video it is tough to extrapolate that to the D1 level. I'm sure the staff saw him against better competition so I'll trust them. But he will be in for a big shock at this level. I think he will be able to contribute and do some things that you wouldn't expect at his height and this level

[PAmedic]

Nothing says Liberty basketball quite like a seven foot tall homeschooled white kid.

I hope he's the one to break the stereotype.

Yes

[BJWilliams]

Come on, Coach Purple, give us a scouting report.

I'd rather hear it from you than BJ.

Ok
1- get a haircut
2- whoever put the tape together hit a lot of things that you look for. Well done
3- the competition is atrocious. It would have been nice to see him against better competition to get a better feel
4- like the shooting form.
5- not going to be a typical back to the basket big but did appreciate the hook shot
6- needs to bulk up but who doesn't at that age
7- runs the floor very well
8- would like to have seen him defend the perimeter. I'm thinking he's a solid stretch 4 but would toy with him at a 3 in a big line up
9- he will pass out of a double team but can be find the 2nd option out of the double team
10- he keeps the ball high which is a huge plus at his age

Bottom line: he looks like he has base skills but the competition was SO BAD in the video it is tough to extrapolate that to the D1 level. I'm sure the staff saw him against better competition so I'll trust them. But he will be in for a big shock at this level. I think he will be able to contribute and do some things that you wouldn't expect at his height and this level

1- Agreed
2- Agreed
3-- Agreed
4- I actually think he could tighten up a bit there. being a 7 footer he can maybe try to shorten up the load up on his long range shot. It may be the product of the passes he is getting, but it looks like if he offered a higher target he could get his shot off better when he has to deal with more athletic bigs at the collegiate level
5- Agreed
6- Agreed. He will have plenty of opportunity to do that this year and next, but you don't want to bulk up so much you sacrifice the athleticism
7- Agreed. Also definitely not afraid to go above the rim, much like Andrew Smith.
8-He has a couple moments when he is a bit further from the basket but as I said before, he will be dealing with much more athletic bigs in college.
9- Agreed
10- Absolutely agreed.

I don't think he will be a Russell Monroe type, but I also don't think he will be a Peter Aluma type either. With proper skill development and adding a few pounds as PH recommends, he has a chance to fall somewhere in between and be very good for us if he remains healthy.

[Purple Haize]

Come on, Coach Purple, give us a scouting report.

I'd rather hear it from you than BJ.

Ok
1- get a haircut
2- whoever put the tape together hit a lot of things that you look for. Well done
3- the competition is atrocious. It would have been nice to see him against better competition to get a better feel
4- like the shooting form.
5- not going to be a typical back to the basket big but did appreciate the hook shot
6- needs to bulk up but who doesn't at that age
7- runs the floor very well
8- would like to have seen him defend the perimeter. I'm thinking he's a solid stretch 4 but would toy with him at a 3 in a big line up
9- he will pass out of a double team but can be find the 2nd option out of the double team
10- he keeps the ball high which is a huge plus at his age

Bottom line: he looks like he has base skills but the competition was SO BAD in the video it is tough to extrapolate that to the D1 level. I'm sure the staff saw him against better competition so I'll trust them. But he will be in for a big shock at this level. I think he will be able to contribute and do some things that you wouldn't expect at his height and this level

1- Agreed
2- Agreed
3-- Agreed
4- I actually think he could tighten up a bit there. being a 7 footer he can maybe try to shorten up the load up on his long range shot. It may be the product of the passes he is getting, but it looks like if he offered a higher target he could get his shot off better when he has to deal with more athletic bigs at the collegiate level
5- Agreed
6- Agreed. He will have plenty of opportunity to do that this year and next, but you don't want to bulk up so much you sacrifice the athleticism
7- Agreed. Also definitely not afraid to go above the rim, much like Andrew Smith.
8-He has a couple moments when he is a bit further from the basket but as I said before, he will be dealing with much more athletic bigs in college.
9- Agreed
10- Absolutely agreed.

I don't think he will be a Russell Monroe type, but I also don't think he will be a Peter Aluma type either. With proper skill development and adding a few pounds as PH recommends, he has a chance to fall somewhere in between and be very good for us if he remains healthy.

Reading comprehension is your friend, but apparently not a strong suit

[BJWilliams]

Oh I saw it, I wanted to see your thoughts first as well though and you pretty much hit everything I would have which is why I agree with just about everything you said

[Cider Jim]

1- Agreed
2- Agreed
3-- Agreed
4- I actually think he could tighten up a bit there. being a 7 footer he can maybe try to shorten up the load up on his long range shot. It may be the product of the passes he is getting, but it looks like if he offered a higher target he could get his shot off better when he has to deal with more athletic bigs at the collegiate level
5- Agreed
6- Agreed. He will have plenty of opportunity to do that this year and next, but you don't want to bulk up so much you sacrifice the athleticism
7- Agreed. Also definitely not afraid to go above the rim, much like Andrew Smith.
8-He has a couple moments when he is a bit further from the basket but as I said before, he will be dealing with much more athletic bigs in college.
9- Agreed
10- Absolutely agreed.

I don't think he will be a Russell Monroe type, but I also don't think he will be a Peter Aluma type either. With proper skill development and adding a few pounds as PH recommends, he has a chance to fall somewhere in between and be very good for us if he remains healthy.

I knew Coach BJ couldn't resist. And regarding your highlighted part, the boy literally weighs 180 pounds!

[olldflame]

1- Agreed
2- Agreed
3-- Agreed
4- I actually think he could tighten up a bit there. being a 7 footer he can maybe try to shorten up the load up on his long range shot. It may be the product of the passes he is getting, but it looks like if he offered a higher target he could get his shot off better when he has to deal with more athletic bigs at the collegiate level
5- Agreed
6- Agreed. He will have plenty of opportunity to do that this year and next, but you don't want to bulk up so much you sacrifice the athleticism
7- Agreed. Also definitely not afraid to go above the rim, much like Andrew Smith.
8-He has a couple moments when he is a bit further from the basket but as I said before, he will be dealing with much more athletic bigs in college.
9- Agreed
10- Absolutely agreed.

I don't think he will be a Russell Monroe type, but I also don't think he will be a Peter Aluma type either. With proper skill development and adding a few pounds as PH recommends, he has a chance to fall somewhere in between and be very good for us if he remains healthy.

I knew Coach BJ couldn't resist. And regarding your highlighted part, the boy literally weighs 180 pounds!

Not sure where you got that. Maybe old info. He´s 220 now, but at 7´that´s still a bit thin.

[Purple Haize]

1- Agreed
2- Agreed
3-- Agreed
4- I actually think he could tighten up a bit there. being a 7 footer he can maybe try to shorten up the load up on his long range shot. It may be the product of the passes he is getting, but it looks like if he offered a higher target he could get his shot off better when he has to deal with more athletic bigs at the collegiate level
5- Agreed
6- Agreed. He will have plenty of opportunity to do that this year and next, but you don't want to bulk up so much you sacrifice the athleticism
7- Agreed. Also definitely not afraid to go above the rim, much like Andrew Smith.
8-He has a couple moments when he is a bit further from the basket but as I said before, he will be dealing with much more athletic bigs in college.
9- Agreed
10- Absolutely agreed.

I don't think he will be a Russell Monroe type, but I also don't think he will be a Peter Aluma type either. With proper skill development and adding a few pounds as PH recommends, he has a chance to fall somewhere in between and be very good for us if he remains healthy.

I knew Coach BJ couldn't resist. And regarding your highlighted part, the boy literally weighs 180 pounds!

Yeah. Notice I didn't highlight his athleticism or lack thereof. I'm not sure putting on 40-50 lbs would hurt him at all. Adding muscle can even add to your athleticism

[olldflame]

You have your wish Purple. 40 pounds gained. His actual present weight is 220. I can see him eventually at 240, but not much more, and there is no rush. Henry Barrera is just the man to make the call on what to do and how to do it there. Evan Maxwell has improved immensley by dropping 20 lbs under his direction.

[Sly Fox]

Sadly I recognized the majority of gyms in that video. The blue & red one is Austin Westlake HS where NFL QBs Drew Brees & Nick Foles played back in the day. And longtime NBA 7-footer Chris Mihm is another alum.

When it comes to hoops, homeschoolers playing for better teams down here in Texas get plenty of interaction with top level public school talent. I'm not familiar with this school, but I suspect that I will get a chance to see him play this winter in a tourney ... perhaps even in the next few weeks.

[Cider Jim]

Hoping Hayden is indeed 220, but the weight listed here (maybe old) is 180.
http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/hayden- ... -stats.htm

[Purple Haize]

You have your wish Purple. 40 pounds gained. His actual present weight is 220. I can see him eventually at 240, but not much more, and there is no rush. Henry Barrera is just the man to make the call on what to do and how to do it there. Evan Maxwell has improved immensley by dropping 20 lbs under his direction.

What was his weight in the video?
Good to hear about Maxwell. He's got potential to be a solid back to the basket guy
And I wish I could get back to 240!

[olldflame]

Hoping Hayden is indeed 220, but the weight listed here (maybe old) is 180.
http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/hayden- ... -stats.htm

Maxpreps is notorious for not updating stuff like that. Rivals and Scout really aren´t much better. The FlamesNation announcement of his signing gives his weight at 220, as does his verbalcommits profile.

http://www.libertyflamesnation.com/mcka ... den-koval/

http://verbalcommits.com/players/hayden-koval

A 7 footer at 180 is REALLY skinny. He clearly looks bigger than that in the videos.

[adam42381]

I realize the video is a small sample size against undersized and probably weak competition, and that he's used to coaching GIRLS, but I'd still be curious see to what Coach Haize thinks of Hayden's skill set.

Ha. I haven't looked at it. And I'm not scrolling back to look for it

As for multiple 7 footers that's not a bad thing, especially depending on skill set. Just like having multiple 6'8" guys. Remember Nowitzki and Durant are 7 footers.

Not to nitpick, but Durant was listed at 6'9" when he was drafted. He looks taller to me, but it could be because other guys' heights are over inflated.