Wichita Eagle Story on Graham Hatch

[outpost]

http://www.kansas.com/sports/lutz/story/173873.html

This is our "deferred" freshman, recruited and signed to a non-binding LOI by Turgeon. WSU fans waited for two years while he completed his obligatory 2-year Mormon mission.

He enters the 2006-07 season as a 21-year old freshman.

[Ictjay]

I applaud Marshall. He certainly didn't need to bring Hatch in, especially when it sounds like he won't contribute alot atleast right away.

[Mecha_Bulldog]

His life changing mission took him to ... Spokane?

[WSUfan]

His life changing mission took him to ... Spokane?
Have you ever been to "Spokane"? It makes Fargo look good. :lol:

[DoubleJayAlum]

I applaud Marshall. He certainly didn't need to bring Hatch in, especially when it sounds like he won't contribute alot atleast right away.

I agree with this. It does certainly seem like a classy move to stick with a kid you've never even seen play. I think that Hatch is one of the most intriguing newcomers. After two years without organized basketball, I assume conditioning is his main focus. A redshirt would seem to be likely, would it not?

[SubGod22]

Many of us have always thought he'd come in and redshirt since he's been away from the game. Although, he's been shooting lights out since he got here and you wonder if that'll be enough for Marshall to give him a shot. I still think we probably won't see him play this year. Our guard depth looks pretty good as it is IMO.

[ShocknUrSister]

His life changing mission took him to ... Spokane?

I know what a S**thole. At least he didn't have to go to Carbondale.

[Aargh]

Hatch will probably contribute more for his maturity, leadership and values than he will contribute on the court.

He has some upside:

6'4" SG who was known as a tenacious defender playing in Arizona's largest school HS category.

Has a sweet stroke from deep and can drill 3's.

Conditioning isn't a problem. Hatch had the discipline to maintain good conditioning for 2 years.

Spent 2 years in Spokane and reported he found some very high quality players to scrimmage with. Also reported he had access to a gym where he could go and shoot 300 shots a night when he had the opportunity. Turgeon and Few are great friends. I'm going to make a wild guess that Hatch is friends of Gonzaga's players and is familiar with their gym.

He has some downside:

Hatch admits he's "a step slow". In the limited exposure Hatch has had to WSU fans, this doesn't seem to be a liability, but Hatch's quickness doesn't appear to be an asset.

WSU has a couple of very athletic SG's ahead of Hatch. Cooz this year and Hawkins (after a trfr year) next year.

If Hatch gets in any games this year, opponents will have to cover him.

His best value in his first 2 years should be as a practice player and leader/motivator type. He's likely to be a solid bench player and contributor his Jr and Sr seasons.