NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing grad transfer Matt Haarms 10 teams

Purdue big man Matt Haarms became the biggest name in the NCAA Basketball transfer portal. Which teams are in the running to land the center?

One of the most recognizable players and faces in NCAA Basketball is Matt Haarms, a 7’3 big man who comes from the Netherlands. After redshirting as a freshman and waiting until former Boilermaker Isaac Haas graduated to get more time, Haarms produced 9.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg and over two blocks a game as a junior on the Elite 8 squad a year ago.

This past season, the center saw his production and minutes drop a bit. It wasn’t as much as anything being wrong with Haarms, compared to sophomore forward/center Trevion Williams having a big season, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. Since he’s limited position-wise the upcoming redshirt senior had a difficult decision to make regarding his future. Which doesn’t make it as big a surprise that he elected to become a grad transfer this offseason.

Immediately, all power conference teams who could use a center came calling. And it makes sense since Haarms is a great defender who can hit a three-pointer as well. Add his experience, leadership and other positive qualities, there’s no reason why NCAA Basketball teams can’t find 20-25 minutes a game to give to the grad transfer center.

It’s one of the most impressive lists for a transfer this offseason, with preseason Final Four contenders for 2020-21 throughout the top-10. Adding a player of like Haarms could be the missing piece for any of them to win it all. But which ones are the best fit for the now-former Purdue center?

Here’s a closer look at each program and what they could offer Haarms, both positive and negative from a roster standpoint.