When I first watched the tape of Curtis Haywood II I got really excited. He is a three star recruit from Oklahoma who was getting interest from places like Texas and Wichita State. So while he has some big schools looking, he is not the most heralded recruit. But what really gets me excited is his jump shot. Just watch it. It’s beautiful. He’s got a high release point, but what really stands out is his lightning quick release. Check it out when he gets a catch and shoot; he gets it and it’s gone. And he makes it too. Three point shooting has been a serious issue for Tech for many years, but next year we might actually be dangerous from deep with Haywood, Christian Matthews, and Tadric Jackson.
The other thing that stands out about Haywood is his size. He is 6’5, but his arms seem like they go on forever. That is his 7 foot wingspan that could make him a monster in Pastner’s defense. Imagine that zone defense with somebody who can really make those interior passing lanes disappear.
Haywood is Georgia Tech’s second commit for 2017. With the graduation of Josh Heath, Quinton Stephens, Corey Heyward, Jodan Price, and Kellen McCormick, plus one empty scholarship gives Tech 6 scholarships open for next year. We have two guards committed, so I’d expect us to look at at least one big man and one bigger wing. I would also expect at least one graduate transfer for next season as Pastner tries to accelerate the rebuild with the surplus scholarships. Shout out to Haywood for correctly naming the Georgia Institute of Technology in his tweet. This is a fantastic Christmas present for Haywood, Pastner, and all Tech fans!