There is talk of a national championship being the goal this year for our Boilermakers, and I'm in. Let's F'ing do it.
Topic of discussion: What will it take? Who needs to rise up & exceed expectations?
My opinion:
- Hammons and Swanigan need to be a 1-2 punch down low that is the envy of D1.
- Edwards needs to be more assertive & more explosive. I loved his smart, steady play last year, but this year we need Vince to be able to create for himself when needed. Imagine if he could develop an Evan Turner like cross-over / drive. ET was my most feared individual player for Purdue to face his last year at OSU.
- At least two reliably good shooters need to emerge. When I say reliable, I mean they hit at least 30-35% in 60% to 75% of the games. Of course, there will be off nights, but it needs to not be 75% from 3 one game and then 15% the next three or four games. Stephens struggled to be a reliable shooter last year - he was very streaky IMO. I suspect Cline will be in the mix as a reliable shooter. I have this feeling he is going to be a good one for us.
- We need more than serviceable PG coverage, including an ability to deal with the FC press. If we can't deal with the press again this year, then we will be vulnerable once we get to the caliber of athletes in the NCAA tournament, especially once we get to the sweet 16.
- Defense needs to be very good, even better than last year. Our points per game should go up this season, but to win the NC, our defense needs to be improved over last season. Ray seems like a leader than can make it happen.
- Similarly, team play / passing on offense needs to be improved. If Swanigan is the passer I've heard he is, his presence should help
wudya think?
Topic of discussion: What will it take? Who needs to rise up & exceed expectations?
My opinion:
- Hammons and Swanigan need to be a 1-2 punch down low that is the envy of D1.
- Edwards needs to be more assertive & more explosive. I loved his smart, steady play last year, but this year we need Vince to be able to create for himself when needed. Imagine if he could develop an Evan Turner like cross-over / drive. ET was my most feared individual player for Purdue to face his last year at OSU.
- At least two reliably good shooters need to emerge. When I say reliable, I mean they hit at least 30-35% in 60% to 75% of the games. Of course, there will be off nights, but it needs to not be 75% from 3 one game and then 15% the next three or four games. Stephens struggled to be a reliable shooter last year - he was very streaky IMO. I suspect Cline will be in the mix as a reliable shooter. I have this feeling he is going to be a good one for us.
- We need more than serviceable PG coverage, including an ability to deal with the FC press. If we can't deal with the press again this year, then we will be vulnerable once we get to the caliber of athletes in the NCAA tournament, especially once we get to the sweet 16.
- Defense needs to be very good, even better than last year. Our points per game should go up this season, but to win the NC, our defense needs to be improved over last season. Ray seems like a leader than can make it happen.
- Similarly, team play / passing on offense needs to be improved. If Swanigan is the passer I've heard he is, his presence should help
wudya think?