Haywood Highsmith is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Miami Heat in the NBA. He plays as a Small Forward and Power Forward for the Heat. Highsmith graduated from Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore in 2014, where he was a standout player. After high school, he attended Wheeling Jesuit University (now Wheeling University) and played four impressive seasons for the Wheeling Jesuit Cardinals from 2014-2018.
He was a starter all four years and averaged 14.5 points and 9.4 rebounds as a sophomore. For his stellar play, Highsmith was named first-team All-MEC, the MEC Player of the Year, the MVP of the MEC Conference Tournament, and the National Player of the Year. Despite the accolades, he went undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft. He signed with the NBA G League and played for the Delaware Blue Coats.
In 2019, Highsmith signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers but was later waived. He returned to play for the Blue Coats again. In 2021, the Miami Heat signed him to a 10-day contract before he returned to the Blue Coats for a fourth stint. Finally, in 2022, the Heat signed Highsmith to a 3-year contract.
In his first full season with Miami in 2022-23, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while playing 54 games, mostly off the bench. Now in his third year on the Heat, Highsmith has established himself as a key rotational bench player. Though he does not fill up the stat sheet, his versatility, defense, and high motor have made him a valuable role player.
Haywood Highsmith Wingspan
Highsmith has an impressive wingspan of 7 feet. This expansive reach helps him greatly on both ends of the court. On defense, he can more easily disrupt passes with his long arms and get deflections. His wingspan also allows him to be an asset in rebounding, especially on the offensive glass where he can tap out misses to teammates.
On the offense, Highsmith can more easily finish at the rim and through contact with his length. He has developed into an excellent finisher at the basket, utilizing his wingspan for creative layups.
Haywood Highsmith Height
Standing at 6-foot-7, Highsmith has a good size for a wing player. His height particularly aids him on defense, where he can guard bigger players at multiple positions. He uses his size well to battle for rebounds against taller opponents.
Offensively, his height helps him survey the floor to pass over smaller guards and through lanes to open teammates. It also allows him to shoot over most perimeter defenders.
Haywood Highsmith Age
Born on December 9, 1996, Highsmith is currently 27 years old as of February 2024. He attended Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, where he was classmates with NFL wide receiver Deonte Harris. Highsmith's high school coach Brian Hubbard told The Baltimore Sun that he drew little recruiting interest from top NCAA Division I colleges out of high school.
FAQ's On Haywood Highsmith's wingspan
A. Born on December 9, 1996, Haywood Highsmith is 27 years old as of February 2024.
A. Haywood Highsmith is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 99 kg.
A. Haywood Highsmith plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA.
A. Haywood Highsmith went to Wheeling University.
