If it isn't Zach or Trey, then Caleb. Caleb does have the length and quickness to get on his side and even full denial (side-step-side) and certainly cause problems by running the court. Purdue isn't going to experiment if it doesn't have to do it I don't believe. Zach is a great match, but it does offer potential foul issues. Would love for Trey to defend him, but he will back down Trey if allowed...which means a perimeter player has to stunt or go dig at the ball...or once he backs down so far and then Zach doubles with Trey and then where is Diarra and who keeps him from the ball or board? This is where a perimeter player digging is good "IF" you can leave someone to help off, but then you leave someone open...especially if not sound and turn your back instead of going sideways at it.
I can see that for the reasons I previously stated. When Burns gets deep that is when Zach and Diarra come into play. Burns doesn't have a lot of lift and so Trey can challenge vertically, but Trey gives up about 50 pounds
Morton has been pretty much fazed out, got 3 bigs to use against them, Burns ave only 25 mins /gm, no on Berg and other guys will have to be awake on cutters due to Burns passing ability
We will see if Caleb gets a call for a couple of minutes? He should be well rested? Purdue wants to use Zach and Trey/Mason, but if Purdue is getting enough scoring I can see Caleb getting a couple of minutes to rest Zach...should Zach need a rest. However, if NCS is not holding and pushing Zach and playing straight up, Zach will not need as much rest and not be as tired as he was in the Tenn game. If fouled, Zach HAS to be effective at the FT line or it will come back and hurt Purdue as they will give up fouls as needed
It will be some bad calls if Zach is in foul trouble I expect. He has played 4 years and maybe less than a handful of games has he been in foul trouble, he should be smart enough to stay out of foul trouble and Matt will attempt to protect him as well...the first half.
I think Caleb would struggle with Burns too but the biggest thing he can do if he gets into the game is run the floor. Let's make Burns get up and down the floor chasing our players.
I mean the guy has been playing great but he's not Wilt Chamberlain. If Zach gets a couple fouls you go to TKR or Furst. No idea how you leapt to Morton. Burns would either pass right over him or bury him in the post. There is literally no scenario where Morton lines up on him intentionally unless at least 3 of our bigs have fouled out.
I clarified in a later post - start away from the rim, backup is coming if he drives
I mean why not just put Lance on him then when he's "away from the rim"?
Burns had 4 points against Marquette. Horne is a player and Morsell can get going.
Or we have 2 fouls to give in the last 30 seconds of the first half.
If he wasn’t used on Knecht, I don’t see him getting any time on Burns. The trade off of D for O isn’t worth it.
He got 29 pts last game and he's their first option. Stop him, stop NC ST. So the concern is understandable.
Oops, I was thinking the other DJ who’s playing well for NCS.
Sure he will. When there's 90 seconds left and we are up 10+.
I can't see it. I'm not saying that Burns sucks, but I don't think he's going to be a major matchup issue for Zach.
Unlike most 6’10 225 bigs, Zach will have to fight for position against Burns. He won’t just be able to lean on him.
so, how did the 5 for Marquette defend? Did he eliminate his touches, because he is not heavy enough to hold ground. I tried looking for that game the other day and all I saw were highlights and not sure now I can work it in
I actually think Furst might be a good option. He may be able to get points against Burns as he's a bit quicker and could draw a few fouls in the process. Of course there's that "weight" difference.
Ighadoro couldn’t handle him 1 on 1 so they brought a lot of post doubles. Unfortunately for them, Burns is a great passer and had 7 assists.
I was wondering...couldn't find the game and was curious. Fits my concern on doubling
Agree. My preference is that we start with Zach single covering him. If he starts cooking or Zach gets an early foul or two, transition to TKR. Only if he's still cooking do we dig and we make sure we do our best to disguise our doubles.
I mean, I agree, but we did just put Braden on freaking Dalton Knecht 3 days ago…
it surprised me, but once I saw it I understood why Purdue did it and what they hoped to accomplish. It was based on improving team D (it starts with D on the PG-Lance) and trying to keep someone quick enough to stay with Kneicht and all the screens they would set knowing you were going to be careful to contest the three ball after trying to make him catch it out a step farther and to just be there with him.
