Matt Hayman Recaps JMU Visit and Updates Recruitment
By Houston Wilson
Stephen F. Austin transfer Matt Hayman took a visit to James Madison University just before the NCAA’s dead period. The Louisiana native, who has one year of eligibility remaining, averaged 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this past season. Hayman caught up with Locker Room Access to break down his JMU visit, his potential fit in the Dukes’ system, and what he’s looking for in his final college stop.
Hayman shared his impressions of the visit to JMU.
“It was a good visit. It was great to see that basketball environment. They have a really nice arena and it is pretty high level there. Coach Spradlin has been really good with transfers and in his system, his players shoot a lot of threes, which I do pretty well. It was a real family atmosphere.”
He also explained the message that the JMU coaching staff delivered during the visit.
“Their overall message is that they see my versatility as something they can really use as a weapon. They just want to put me in a system where I can play well and do stuff at a high level. Ultimately, they feel like if they put me around better players, that can really help my game develop to get where I want to be and maybe play professionally after college.”
When it comes to how he fits in JMU’s system, Hayman believes his skill set aligns well with what Coach Spradlin runs.
“The way Coach Spradlin plays, I think I can just be a dynamic guard that gets downhill and can score and make shots at a high level. The system that Coach Spradlin runs showcases a lot of screens, a lot of five out, the floor is spaced, and the ball swings. Something that they really preach is to make sure the ball is always swinging.”
Hayman said he’s being deliberate with the transfer process, knowing this will be his final season of college basketball.
“It has been a good process. I have gotten a lot of calls from a lot of different schools and we are just taking it really slow because I only have one year left of eligibility. My agent and I are just being patient because I want to make sure my next school is the right fit.”
He also broke down what he’s looking for in a potential new program.
“I am looking at the style of play, how they defend, and just the overall level at which they compete.”
So far, Hayman has visited multiple schools and is still weighing whether to take additional visits.
“I am not really sure. I might take one more visit because I had some new things come into place during the dead period, so I might take one or two more visits if it is the right decision.”
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