Matt Haarms – Center
2019 stats: 10.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.2 bpg, 55.1 FG%, 38.1 3P%
Purdue has had some ridiculous size down low in recent years, first with behemoth 7-2, 295-pound Isaac Haas (2014-18), and now with his successor, the 7-3 Haarms.
The junior from the Netherlands has had a nice career for the Boilermakers, steadily increasing his overall production over each of the last three seasons. Haarms has been reliable in the scoring column (No. 3 on the team) and on the glass (No. 2) this year, but where he has really shined is on defense: he’s the definition of an eraser in the paint with his exceptional length, ranking third in the Big Ten in blocks per game and second in block percentage. In the latter category, Haarms is currently sitting at No. 9 in the nation.
With Haarms looming down low, the Badgers aren’t likely to have much success converting near the rim while he’s in the game, meaning they are probably going to need another hot shooting night from long range to come out of Mackey Arena unscathed if they can’t get him in foul trouble.