I will chime in here although I am hesitant to do so.
First off, I've been a huge Moyer supporter. I've met the kid, interviewed him a few times and kept in touch with him since then. He comes from a great family (his mom is really very personable and I've gotten to know her as well) and he's a quality individual, not that that is breaking news. The reason I mention all of that is to put my comments into context. I'm biased.
Matt worked his ass off this past off-season. I think most players do, sure, but he really did. He got in better shape. He spent a ton of time in the weight room and trying to get his shot up to snuff. That said, I agree with some of the comments above that he looks like he gets tired pretty quickly and could probably be in better basketball shape. He definitely looks like he's playing in quicksand at times. I don't know if there something going on off the court that is distracting him but something doesn't look right with his demeanor and body language. He played with such passion in high school and now he just looks...out of it.
I think he also puts a lot of pressure on himself. He's waited forever to play in real games for this team and now they're here and he's struggling. I expected more from him and I'm sure JB and the staff did. I don't think he's starting just to start him. Regardless, he has provided no offense and that's not going to work. As Francis said on his pod, Matt looks like he's trying so hard to be a perimeter guy, he's forgotten who he is. Matt could make jumpers in high school but he's a slasher. He needs to do his damage inside and be the lunch pail guy. Take the ball strong to the rack and draw fouls. Hit the offensive glass. Set up a teammate off the bounce.
Matt played against very good competition in the NEPSAC his last year so to say he dominated bad competition is wrong. His detractors (some whom are in this thread) are looking accurate right now. That said, it's only 4 games. He did have a 10 rebound game and he's had his moments. I just hope he gets a few shots to fall and does some positive things because when this kid is right, he can help us this year. And contrary to popular belief, we will need him this year. We can play Tyus some at the 3 (as we have done already and a lineup I've been a proponent of) but having three 6'8" forwards in the rotation really is important. Plus, Marek gets called for a lot of touch fouls. Marek could wind up in foul trouble unless he figures out NCAA officiating.
I think Moyer will contribute this year and have his moments but he just has to turn it on. The folks who are making fun of him for playing the violin are lame. And none of his hype was because of his humanitarian qualities. Some of us lauded him for those things, sure. There's a difference.
Let's also not forget that he was a late bloomer. He didn't really show up on anyone's radar until his sophomore year due to a growth sport and then a major uptick in his play his junior year really made people take notice. That's why he wasn't that highly-rated. Matt isn't some blue chip athlete who was known in the 8th grade. But he was plenty athletic enough to succeed in the NEPSAC, which is as big time as any prep league.
Moyer has a fan here no matter what he does but in the end he has to perform. I just hope he gets it together soon or he won't play much this year and then obviously will have a tough time stealing minutes from Baz next year. Either way, Matt will still bleed Orange.
