Matt Haarms Contemplates Potential Return to BYU on Instagram

Will Matt Haarms come back to BYU for his sixth year of college?

Haarms said after BYU’s loss to UCLA that his college career was done, but that hasn’t stopped Mark Pope from recruiting the 7-foot-3 big man for one more year. Haarms made a few posts on his Instagram that show he is considering returning to BYU for one more season.

Pretty creative approach from Mark Pope! Haarms struggled in BYU’s loss to UCLA, but he was the WCC defensive player of the year and averaged 11.3 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks on 54.6% shooting. BYU had one of its best defensive teams in the past 20 past years largely due to Matt’s ability to protect the rim and defensive IQ.

Returning seniors won’t count against a team’s 13-scholarship limit, so Haarms could return and BYU would still have scholarships to use on transfers. The NCAA made this season a free year, meaning players didn’t have to use a season of eligibility if they wished. If Haarms were to return, then Barcello would likely return too. Brandon Averette seems like the least likely of the three seniors to come back.

If Haarms and Barcello were to return and guys like Gideon George and Caleb Lohner took a step forward, then BYU would be a bona fide top 25 team heading into 2021.