Beachem-Hayes Connection Among Philadelphia Storylines
V.J. Beachem doesn’t need an extensive scouting report on star Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes.
The two are more than familiar with each other dating back to their AAU days. Beachem played one of his summer ball seasons against Hayes, suiting up for Spiece Indy Heat while Hayes played for All Ohio Red.
Beachem eventually switched teams to All Ohio Red, though, and the two formed a bond.
“I know he loves that little spin to the baseline,” Beachem said. “That’s his signature move.
“But he’s a great player; he can do a lot on the court. It’s going to be a great matchup and we’re excited about it.”
Text messaging is largely the preferred communication of this generation, and the two college basketball standouts have done plenty of it. Beachem said they’ve stayed in touch throughout the years since their prep days, communicating regularly during their NCAA Tournament runs both this year and last year.
Between the Irish junior’s 18-point outing against Michigan and 15-point effort versus Stephen F. Austin, he spent time not only communicating with family and teammates, but Hayes as well.
“He texted me right after both our games this weekend [in Brooklyn, N.Y.],” Beachem said. “I told him, ‘Just meet me in Philly, bro.’ They took care of their part and we took care of ours.
“We’ve talked a lot, especially this year. I talked to him a lot last year, too, when they were making their run.”
That communication between the two friends is suspended this week — temporarily. Beachem laughed when asked if he’ll talk with Hayes any this week leading up to the game.
“No way,” he quipped. “I’m not going to talk to him until probably right before the game.”
Hayes is averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for the Badgers this year. Beachem is posting 11.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest for the Irish.
Other Notes
• Junior guard Steve Vasturia played his high school ball at St. Joseph’s Prep, located just 17 minutes from the Wells Fargo Center. He finished his varsity career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,766 points, and his No. 32 jersey was retired by the school following his senior season. Vasturia was first-team all-state as a junior and senior, and earned Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year honors.
• Assistant coach Martin Ingelsby also played his prep days in Philadelphia, suiting up for Archbishop Carroll High. He earned the Markwood Award — annually given to the top player in the Philadelphia area — following his senior campaign in 1997. Ingelsby has been linked in reports to a couple head coaching openings in the region, including Drexel and Delaware. SIlive.com reported the Irish assistant has already interviewed for the Drexel position.