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Garrison Mathews Could be the Next Kyle Korver

By Matt Levin

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 9: Garrison Mathews #24 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Guangzhou Long Lions during a pre-season game on October 9, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 9: Garrison Mathews #24 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Guangzhou Long Lions during a pre-season game on October 9, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards might have found themselves a hidden gem with the undrafted rookie out of Lipscomb, Garrison Mathews.

When someone hears the name Garrison Mathews, most people would say “Who?” Well, I am here to tell you to remember the name, Garrison Mathews, as he could be next great three point shooter in the league.

Mathews started his basketball career at Lipscomb University, where he become one of the school’s best players ever. The 6-foot-7 Shooting Guard currently holds the school’s record in single-game scoring, career scoring, and three pointers made. In his junior year at Lipscomb, Mathews led the school to their first ever NCAA Tournament.

In his senior year, Mathews averaged 20.8 points per game and won Atlantic Sun Player of the Year. Mathews was able to put up impressive scoring numbers while shooting incredible percentages, shooting over 40 percent from three in his senior year.

Check out his highlights from his 44 point game against NC State in last year’s NIT Tournament.

Coming from a small school who played against weaker competition, not many teams had faith in Mathews as he went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, he has already begun to prove his doubters wrong.

In Summer League, Mathews played solid, shooting over 35 percent from three and averaging 9.7 points per game with the Wizards.

However, so far this preseason, Mathews has been lights out, shooting an insane 45 percent from three. His ability to put up shots quickly and knock them down when given little open space makes him look like a young Kyle Korver.

Like Mathews, Kyle Korver also went to a small school (Creighton University) where he put up  scoring and shooting numbers similar to his. Not many people had faith in Korver either when he entered the league, getting drafted late in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft.

Korver instantly became one of the best three point shooters the league has ever seen. Now, Mathews has a chance to do the same.

Mathews signed a two-way contract with the Wizards in the offseason. This means he will be spending a lot of time in the G-League next season, but will be able to spend up to 45 days with the Wizards.

Next. Washington Wizards 2019-20 Season Preview: Phoenix Suns. dark

Garrison Mathews has serious potential to become a serious offensive weapon, just like Kyle Korver. If the Washington Wizards can develop him correctly, they might have just found themselves a gem.

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