Max Hazzard verbally commits to Arizona Basketball, strengthening backcourt

Arizona Basketball adds depth to their backcourt with the verbal commitment by UC Irvine transfer Max Hazzard.

“To all Arizona fans, it’s time to Bear Down.” That’s the message UC Irvine transfer Max Hazzard had for his fans during his announcement on social media that he will officially be transferring to play for Arizona basketball. As a Wildcat fan, watching that message gets you hyped for next season! In his message he indicated how he always wanted to play at a high major program. Well now Hazzard will get that chance.

With the addition of Hazzard to the 2019-20 roster, he will bring so much to this team: leadership, depth and ability to score the basketball. Last season, the Wildcats lacked in those areas. Not anymore. They will now have someone, similar to Justin Coleman but in an upgraded form. This team is already stacked full of talented players in all positions and adding Hazzard will only make them that much better.

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Leadership. The Wildcats will have a lot of new faces next season as well those returning. What was missing last season more then anything was leadership. There was Coleman who tried to play that role but wasn’t able lead his team to a winning season. Hazzard’s experience playing and being successful at a high level for UC Irvine will translate well when he is at Arizona. In recent season’s past there was likes of Kadeem Allen or even T.J. McConnell who were true leaders of their teams and led them to having successful seasons. Hazzard has the background and skillset to do the same.

Depth. The one area that will see the most impact is the backcourt. Combination of Nico Mannion, Brandon Williams and now Hazzard is scary. Don’t forget about junior Alex Barcello, who can handle the ball as well at the one or two if the Wildcats need. Having depth will be key to this team’s overall success this season. As long as Coach Sean Miller utilizes all of these players, which will be one of the challenges he faces, the Wildcats can be a top contender in the Pac-12 and in the NCAA Tournament.

Score the basketball. Hazzard is a scorer. He averaged 12.5 points per game in his third and final season with UC Irvine. In 37 games played for the Anteaters, he scored in double digits in 24 of those. Hazzard’s season high was 32 against Denver, where he knocked down 10 three pointers! His three point average for the year was at 38.8%. During clutch time or when the Wildcats will look for somebody to take the shot (and want to take the shot), Hazzard is that type of player.

As soon as Wildcat players heard the news that Hazzard verbally committed, they shared their excitement for next season:

https://twitter.com/josh_green6/status/1120755688815202304

At Zona Zealots, we would like to welcome Max Hazzard to Arizona Basketball! We can now officially say that two Hazzards will have played for Arizona. What Max brings this team is a lot of special things. We can’t wait to see him in action. Bear Down, Arizona!