2022 Recruiting

[SCBoiler1]

Painter has had some luck with lower ranked guys over the last few years (Sasha, Edey, Haarms) so it doesn't suprise me to see him taking chances on a guys like Smith or Waddell. Its a little concerning that we received two of these type of commitments in the span of a week or two.

I like the Waddell play. Purdue didn't need any "help" next year. Minutes are going to be hard to come by anyway. He was told he'd redshirt. He and painter are basically going to have a year to see if its a good fit. If he'll be able to contribute in the future both he and Painter should be able to figure it out during that redshirt year. If not, he could choose to transfer. Not much risk IMO.

Smith is a little more tricky. Purdue could possibly lose the best three guards off their roster. That would only leave Thompson, Morton and Dawson.. If Ivey stays for a third year (or Hunter takes a fifth year) there really isn't an issue in 2022. If he goes, I think we'd still need to add a "ready to play" guard either through transfer or an addition to the 2022 class.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Umh... isn't ot the oppisite. Desmond Bane wasn't offerred. Better comparison.
Grant Weatherford.

Weatherford is a terrible comparison. Weatherford was a multi-sport athlete, but had nowhere near the skill level of Smith (or Bane). Painter was hoping he was another Chris Kramer and took a chance.

Smith is a basketball player. I think PJ Thompson could be a comparison, but from what I can see, Smith is much more of a pure point guard than PJ and is also taller with a much higher release on his shot.

 

[TX4GB]

 

[ChoiceBeef]

View embedded media

Isn’t that Emoni Bates’ team?

 

[TX4GB]

I think Emoni was on that team before.

 

[Esox54547]

Isn’t that Emoni Bates’ team?

Another one of those aau teams started by a father of a top player and given plenty of $upport by Nike. Not sure if he’s playing for them right now but he did.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Smith is a little more tricky. Purdue could possibly lose the best three guards off their roster. That would only leave Thompson, Morton and Dawson.. If Ivey stays for a third year (or Hunter takes a fifth year) there really isn't an issue in 2022. If he goes, I think we'd still need to add a "ready to play" guard either through transfer or an addition to the 2022 class.

Who is Dawson?

 

[delarno]

Painter has had some luck with lower ranked guys over the last few years (Sasha, Edey, Haarms) so it doesn't suprise me to see him taking chances on a guys like Smith or Waddell. Its a little concerning that we received two of these type of commitments in the span of a week or two.

I like the Waddell play. Purdue didn't need any "help" next year. Minutes are going to be hard to come by anyway. He was told he'd redshirt. He and painter are basically going to have a year to see if its a good fit. If he'll be able to contribute in the future both he and Painter should be able to figure it out during that redshirt year. If not, he could choose to transfer. Not much risk IMO.

Smith is a little more tricky. Purdue could possibly lose the best three guards off their roster. That would only leave Thompson, Morton and Dawson.. If Ivey stays for a third year (or Hunter takes a fifth year) there really isn't an issue in 2022. If he goes, I think we'd still need to add a "ready to play" guard either through transfer or an addition to the 2022 class.

Dawson? Do you mean Newman? If Ivey leaves, they will have 3 scholarships to work with. I think Painter will focus on a wing (Heide), a big (Washington), and probably an athletic, bigger guard.....could be a transfer I guess.

 

[bonefish1]

Hmm. Ivey, Edwards, Edey, Eifert. You are far more likely to deny what you said than to eat crow. You would be so much more believable if you just waited to see how they play before you declared them failures. But you have always relied on what you read on the rating sights. No original thinking involved.

Lil Andy, you're boring me. Try harder next time.
And yes, I'll always take a higher ranked player. The data over a large sample size supports that.

 

[bonefish1]

What?

In 2016 Baylor would be known to win the NC in 2021?

WTH?

And, Vandy? You're going to put Vandy over Purdue? Dude.

In 2016 there's absolutely no way any of those programs had the national reputation of Purdue. None.

I know there's a penchant to bash Purdue, but... no. That's not a point you'll successfully argue, but no doubt you'll try.

Baylor didn't win the NC because of what they did in 2020. Drew was laying the foundation well before that.

And as much as I love Purdue, it would be tough to argue that Baylor hasn't surpassed them as a program.

Here's what Purdue did the 4 years before Carsen arrived.

2012–13	Matt Painter	16–18	8–10	T-7th	CBI Quarterfinals
2013–14	Matt Painter	15–17	5–13	12th
2014–15	Matt Painter	21–13	12–6	T-3rd	NCAA First Round
2015–16	Matt Painter	26–8	12–6	T-3rd	NCAA First Round

Here's what Baylor did:

012	3	First Round Second Round Sweet Sixteen Elite Eight	(14) South Dakota State (11) Colorado (10) Xavier (1) Kentucky	W 68–60 W 80–63 W 75–70 L 70–82
2014	6	First Round Second Round Sweet Sixteen	(11) Nebraska (3) Creighton (2) Wisconsin	W 74–60 W 85–55 L 52–69
2015	3	First Round	(14) Georgia State	L 56–57
2016	5	First Round	(12) Yale	L 75–79

You still want to debate it?

 

[bonefish1]

Weatherford is a terrible comparison. Weatherford was a multi-sport athlete, but had nowhere near the skill level of Smith (or Bane). Painter was hoping he was another Chris Kramer and took a chance.

Smith is a basketball player. I think PJ Thompson could be a comparison, but from what I can see, Smith is much more of a pure point guard than PJ and is also taller with a much higher release on his shot.

Taller than PJ? By what,...an inch? Are they both about 5'10?

I actually think PJ is a good comparison. Unathletic, undersized spot up 3 pt shooter.

 

[TX4GB]

Some Purdue quotes from Jalen in this article:

Ohio State latest to offer national top-20 prospect Jalen Washington

247sports.com

“I hear from Purdue every day,” he said. “(Assistant Brandon) Brantley is doing a great job of calling me and communicating and staying in touch every single day.

Regarding Purdue, Washington said, “It’s pretty much that same family feel. It’s a closer than a lot of the schools that have been recruiting me. I have known the staff there for so long. We are comfortable talking to each other. They will help me get better physically, boost my skill and help me get to the next level.”

 

[BoilerAndy]

Lil Andy, you're boring me. Try harder next time.
And yes, I'll always take a higher ranked player. The data over a large sample size supports that.

There is nothing more boring than seeing you run down Purdue players time after time, year after year, then moving the goalposts or denying it when proven wrong.

Did I just see in another thread where you claimed that you haven't said anything negative about Morton?

 

[bonefish1]

There is nothing more boring than seeing you run down Purdue players time after time, year after year, then moving the goalposts or denying it when proven wrong.

Did I just see in another thread where you claimed that you haven't said anything negative about Morton?

No, I never claimed to not say anything about Morton. I've said that based on his rankings, etc, that's he's underwhelmed so far (mono, mono, mono.)

 

[ChoiceBeef]

One person who looked impressive at the Run and Slam was Ty Rodgers, who we recently offered. He is teammates with Jalen Washington on MeanStreets. I know he is in Michigan, so will be hard to get but big and physical SF. Not sure why his Rivals and 247 profile doesn't show the offer but whatever.

 

[hoosierdog1]

Who is Dawson?

Yea really.

 

[Purdue85]

Baylor didn't win the NC because of what they did in 2020. Drew was laying the foundation well before that.

And as much as I love Purdue, it would be tough to argue that Baylor hasn't surpassed them as a program.

Here's what Purdue did the 4 years before Carsen arrived.

2012–13	Matt Painter	16–18	8–10	T-7th	CBI Quarterfinals
2013–14	Matt Painter	15–17	5–13	12th
2014–15	Matt Painter	21–13	12–6	T-3rd	NCAA First Round
2015–16	Matt Painter	26–8	12–6	T-3rd	NCAA First Round

Here's what Baylor did:

012	3	First Round Second Round Sweet Sixteen Elite Eight	(14) South Dakota State (11) Colorado (10) Xavier (1) Kentucky	W 68–60 W 80–63 W 75–70 L 70–82
2014	6	First Round Second Round Sweet Sixteen	(11) Nebraska (3) Creighton (2) Wisconsin	W 74–60 W 85–55 L 52–69
2015	3	First Round	(14) Georgia State	L 56–57
2016	5	First Round	(12) Yale	L 75–79

You still want to debate it?

are you really not getting it?

good grief. Again, you're working overtime to create an argument.

 

[bonefish1]

are you really not getting it?

good grief. Again, you're working overtime to create an argument.

I know it's hard, but try to keep up with the entire conversation. You might want to sit this one out though as it does take some level of cognitive reasoning.

 

[Level 42]

some level of cognitive reasoning.

can't take much if you're involved karenfish.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Who is Dawson?

I don't know.....

 

[GoldandBlackintheSaddleAgain]

Who is Dawson?

Dudley?

"call me Booger"

 

[GregJM24]

I actually think PJ is a good comparison. Unathletic, undersized spot up 3 pt shooter.

If you think that describes Braden Smith, you haven’t watched him play. He’s not unathletic. He’s definitely a better than average athlete. And while he has great touch on his 3-point shooting, what’s stood out to me when I’ve watched him is his ability to break down defenses, his vision and his feel for the game. He almost always makes the right play, often spectacularly.

He still has some growing to do. And admittedly, if he doesn’t improve his weaknesses and get stronger, he’ll likely never play at Purdue. But he’s definitely not “unathletic, undersized spot up 3-point shooter.”

 

[JohnHoosierr]

If you think that describes Braden Smith, you haven’t watched him play. He’s not unathletic. He’s definitely a better than average athlete. And while he has great touch on his 3-point shooting, what’s stood out to me when I’ve watched him is his ability to break down defenses, his vision and his feel for the game. He almost always makes the right play, often spectacularly.

He still has some growing to do. And admittedly, if he doesn’t improve his weaknesses and get stronger, he’ll likely never play at Purdue. But he’s definitely not “unathletic, undersized spot up 3-point shooter.”

Your last paragraph highlights the problem some people have with this commit. You literally admit he may never be good enough to play if he doesn’t improve certain aspects of his game. Those are not the type of players we should be offering, especially this early in the recruiting process. Let them go to ball state or Toledo and if they end up being decent we can get them through the transfer portal.

 

[GregJM24]

Your last paragraph highlights the problem some people have with this commit. You literally admit he may never be good enough to play if he doesn’t improve certain aspects of his game. Those are not the type of players we should be offering, especially this early in the recruiting process. Let them go to ball state or Toledo and if they end up being decent we can get them through the transfer portal.

May not play if he doesn’t overcome his weaknesses describes about 75% of all Big Ten recruits.

 

[JohnHoosierr]

May not play if he doesn’t overcome his weaknesses describes about 75% of all Big Ten recruits.

Yeah, ok. Now show me the studies where you got those numbers from. Or Are you just completely making up some idiotic stats all on your own?

 

[GregJM24]

Yeah, ok. Now show me the studies where you got those numbers from. Or Are you just completely making up some idiotic stats all on your own?

I was making a point. I wasn’t making a statistical analysis of recruits overcoming their weaknesses.

Geez.

 

[bonefish1]

Dudley?

"call me Booger"

Classic. Well played.

 

[bonefish1]

If you think that describes Braden Smith, you haven’t watched him play. He’s not unathletic. He’s definitely a better than average athlete. And while he has great touch on his 3-point shooting, what’s stood out to me when I’ve watched him is his ability to break down defenses, his vision and his feel for the game. He almost always makes the right play, often spectacularly.

He still has some growing to do. And admittedly, if he doesn’t improve his weaknesses and get stronger, he’ll likely never play at Purdue. But he’s definitely not “unathletic, undersized spot up 3-point shooter.”

I've seen him listed anywhere from 5'10-6'1. The truth is probably somewhere inbetween. If he grows to a legit 6'2+ that will make a huge difference in being able to get his shot off. But, if he stays under 6, he's going to need serious handle and ability to break down the D, get in the lane, and finish. Otherwise, he's pretty much a 3 pt specialist.

Do you think he's a better athlete than IT?

 

[bonefish1]

May not play if he doesn’t overcome his weaknesses describes about 75% of all Big Ten recruits.

But his weaknesses are the hardest to correct: height, lack of elite quickness, elite athleticism.

 

[Purdue85]

But his weaknesses are the hardest to correct: height, lack of elite quickness, elite athleticism.

"elite"

 

[DAG10]

I think that Painter has had a particularly good track record since the 2016 class in making offers, but some of the players who have struggled the most in that time period are among the best athletes.

From what I see in the videos, Smith looks like he has good quickness. At a solid 6’ with a solid frame, I’ll take a 43% career three point shooter with great court vision/passing ability.

I love that Painter has followed up the two top 50 recruits in the 2021 class with great shooters in Loyer, Waddell, and perhaps Smith.

I get both sides of the argument here...and while I generally do leave the recruiting to Painter and staff, and, generally trust in it, it is not as if there have not been misses (and some big ones at that)...and, while I am good with guys that he has secured commitments from recently, I admittedly had hopes that the success in recent years where Purdue was part of the national conversation, especially the run with Carsen and the performances that he had during it, would lead to some top tier guard talent and interest on a national scale from such type guys.

I like Smith and I like his game and how he plays, but, to suggest that Painter and Purdue are just smarter than everyone else in college basketball is a bit of a stretch with respect to his recruitment. That does not mean that he can't play...or that he won't have success at Purdue...or that Purdue won't have success with him...but, while an offer list is not the only (or greatest/most important) indicator, it is not as if it is entirely irrelevant either.

Ultimately...to have genuine national success...there has to be some genuine elite talent...there has to be NBA-level talent...and while I like (really like for that matter) the way that guys like Loyer and Smith play, Purdue would have been flat out overmatched and dominated had they run into Baylor this year (heck, they were overmatched and dominated by North Texas for that matter), and, those guys absolutely would be as well.

Purdue should be able to land some nationally elite level guards with the success (and freedom to operate more or less as they wish on the floor) that the likes of Carsen and Jaden have had.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I get both sides of the argument here...and while I generally do leave the recruiting to Painter and staff, and, generally trust in it, it is not as if there have not been misses (and some big ones at that)...and, while I am good with guys that he has secured commitments from recently, I admittedly had hopes that the success in recent years where Purdue was part of the national conversation, especially the run with Carsen and the performances that he had during it, would lead to some top tier guard talent and interest on a national scale from such type guys.

I like Smith and I like his game and how he plays, but, to suggest that Painter and Purdue are just smarter than everyone else in college basketball is a bit of a stretch with respect to his recruitment. That does not mean that he can't play...or that he won't have success at Purdue...or that Purdue won't have success with him...but, while an offer list is not the only (or greatest/most important) indicator, it is not as if it is entirely irrelevant either.

Ultimately...to have genuine national success...there has to be some genuine elite talent...there has to be NBA-level talent...and while I like (really like for that matter) the way that guys like Loyer and Smith play, Purdue would have been flat out overmatched and dominated had they run into Baylor this year (heck, they were overmatched and dominated by North Texas for that matter), and, those guys absolutely would be as well.

Purdue should be able to land some nationally elite level guards with the success (and freedom to operate more or less as they wish on the floor) that the likes of Carsen and Jaden have had.

Gonzaga was overmatched by Baylor, too. Rather than focusing on a hypothetical Baylor match-up that never happened, I think it makes sense to look at Purdue’s 2019 Elite 8 team that came about as close to beating the eventual national champion as possible while falling just short. That team featured a 3 who had no other high major offers besides Purdue’s and very limited athleticism by Big Ten standards, a former walk-on 4, and an international 5 who was completely off the radar when Painter offered him. The 1 was the only highly recruited player on the team, but was very limited offensively. Of course, the 2 was Carsen Edwards, who had one other P5 offer besides Purdue and was considered an undersized 2 by many at the time that he committed. Many here were excited to have him, but a bit disappointed that Xavier Simpson didn’t commit first.

My point is that you have to have players that compliment each other. The 2019 team had a superstar and a bunch of complimentary under the radar guys. For Purdue to make an even deeper run, Painter will need players like Ivey or perhaps Kaufman to play like all-Americans, but he’ll also need contributors at every position.

In Smith, I see a player who can provide the kind of overall offensive point guard play that Painter has never had. I have no doubt that he will be able to leverage his shooting ability to both stretch the defensive and create opportunities for himself to get in the lane. Once he gets penetration, what I see from the highlights is an incredibly talented passer. It’s not unusual for a point guard to have a highlight real that shows 4-5 terrific interior passes in the course of a season, but with Smith you see that many in a single game’s highlights. I understand it will be tougher against high major competition, but what I see is that this young man has a lot to contribute on offense.

The concern area is defense, but I am not ready to write him off on defense because of his size. What I can’t tell from the highlights is how his lateral quickness is. If he can move his feet like Aaron Craft, he can be a great defender at 6’. He probably doesn’t possess that level of quickness, but I haven’t seen enough to know how good of a defender he can be and I doubt many on this board have, either.

 

[DAG10]

Gonzaga was overmatched by Baylor, too. Rather than focusing on a hypothetical Baylor match-up that never happened, I think it makes sense to look at Purdue’s 2019 Elite 8 team that came about as close to beating the eventual national champion as possible while falling just short. That team featured a 3 who had no other high major offers besides Purdue’s and very limited athleticism by Big Ten standards, a former walk-on 4, and an international 5 who was completely off the radar when Painter offered him. The 1 was the only highly recruited player on the team, but was very limited offensively. Of course, the 2 was Carsen Edwards, who had one other P5 offer besides Purdue and was considered an undersized 2 by many at the time that he committed. Many here were excited to have him, but a bit disappointed that Xavier Simpson didn’t commit first.

My point is that you have to have players that compliment each other. The 2019 team had a superstar and a bunch of complimentary under the radar guys. For Purdue to make an even deeper run, Painter will need players like Ivey or perhaps Kaufman to play like all-Americans, but he’ll also need contributors at every position.

In Smith, I see a player who can provide the kind of overall offensive point guard play that Painter has never had. I have no doubt that he will be able to leverage his shooting ability to both stretch the defensive and create opportunities for himself to get in the lane. Once he gets penetration, what I see from the highlights is an incredibly talented passer. It’s not unusual for a point guard to have a highlight real that shows 4-5 terrific interior passes in the course of a season, but with Smith you see that many in a single game’s highlights. I understand it will be tougher against high major competition, but what I see is that this young man has a lot to contribute on offense.

The concern area is defense, but I am not ready to write him off on defense because of his size. What I can’t tell from the highlights is how his lateral quickness is. If he can move his feet like Aaron Craft, he can be a great defender at 6’. He probably doesn’t possess that level of quickness, but I haven’t seen enough to know how good of a defender he can be and I doubt many on this board have, either.

I really hoped to see him last week in Ft. Wayne, but, schedules just did not work out unfortunately. I have seen him in HS ball, but, that is not a great indicator...completely different game.

He has a better offensive game than Craft, and, likely is not as good at the defensive end, but, Craft was his best when surrounded by good/talented players...and I suspect that is the same with Smith.

Your primary point is a great one though...that players that complement one another is big...a couple of the winningest and best teams that Purdue has had included PJ as its PG...not the prototypical or elite level guy, but, someone who was good in his role certainly.

The one thing that I think may fuel fire for the other side of the discussion is that had Purdue had somebody truly better (never mind elite) as the other Guard on that '19 team, it may have been the difference in beating UVA. It was a credit to just how good CE was that Purdue had the opportunity that it did...sure, the other guys played well, but, CE was the key...and why Purdue was special in that tournament...having more guys like that is what is going to make the difference if there ever is one for Purdue.

 

[GregJM24]

I get both sides of the argument here...and while I generally do leave the recruiting to Painter and staff, and, generally trust in it, it is not as if there have not been misses (and some big ones at that)...and, while I am good with guys that he has secured commitments from recently, I admittedly had hopes that the success in recent years where Purdue was part of the national conversation, especially the run with Carsen and the performances that he had during it, would lead to some top tier guard talent and interest on a national scale from such type guys.

I like Smith and I like his game and how he plays, but, to suggest that Painter and Purdue are just smarter than everyone else in college basketball is a bit of a stretch with respect to his recruitment. That does not mean that he can't play...or that he won't have success at Purdue...or that Purdue won't have success with him...but, while an offer list is not the only (or greatest/most important) indicator, it is not as if it is entirely irrelevant either.

Ultimately...to have genuine national success...there has to be some genuine elite talent...there has to be NBA-level talent...and while I like (really like for that matter) the way that guys like Loyer and Smith play, Purdue would have been flat out overmatched and dominated had they run into Baylor this year (heck, they were overmatched and dominated by North Texas for that matter), and, those guys absolutely would be as well.

Purdue should be able to land some nationally elite level guards with the success (and freedom to operate more or less as they wish on the floor) that the likes of Carsen and Jaden have had.

Perfectly said. He’s a risk vs. very high potential if he’s able to overcome his weaknesses, which has been a specialty of Painter’s.

I think everyone here gets that. He seems like the kind of player Purdue fans are going to love, but there’s no doubt it’s concerning that he was dominated twice by the best team he faced.

If this was 2013 and Painter was coming off some really bad recruiting classes, I would get the skepticism. I think — even with a couple misses — he deserves the benefit of the doubt for now.

 

[bonefish1]

Perfectly said. He’s a risk vs. very high potential if he’s able to overcome his weaknesses, which has been a specialty of Painter’s.

I think everyone here gets that. He seems like the kind of player Purdue fans are going to love, but there’s no doubt it’s concerning that he was dominated twice by the best team he faced.

If this was 2013 and Painter was coming off some really bad recruiting classes, I would get the skepticism. I think — even with a couple misses — he deserves the benefit of the doubt for now.

This is why securing Washington is pretty important. The last 3 commits are sort of "meh", and I'm sure if you ask the recruiting experts, they probably agree.
Getting someone like Washington brings some excitement to the mix.

 

[DAG10]

This is why securing Washington is pretty important. The last 3 commits are sort of "meh", and I'm sure if you ask the recruiting experts, they probably agree.
Getting someone like Washington brings some excitement to the mix.

I am not worried about the excitement factor...Purdue needs some difference-makers, and, Washington is one of those guys (just as Ivey, Kaufmann-Renn and Furst).

I do not see Loyer as a "meh" type recruit...and, I think Smith is (and will be) better than he is being given credit for at the moment.

That said, Painter/Purdue are seemingly in a position where they should be able to land more difference-makers...they are in on more such guys on a national level it would appear...which is encouraging, but, they need to have more success in landing such guys...particularly in-state ones like Washington.

 

[bonefish1]

I am not worried about the excitement factor...Purdue needs some difference-makers, and, Washington is one of those guys (just as Ivey, Kaufmann-Renn and Furst).

I do not see Loyer as a "meh" type recruit...and, I think Smith is (and will be) better than he is being given credit for at the moment.

That said, Painter/Purdue are seemingly in a position where they should be able to land more difference-makers...they are in on more such guys on a national level it would appear...which is encouraging, but, they need to have more success in landing such guys...particularly in-state ones like Washington.

What Paint really needs is some 3 level scoring guards in the mold of Ivey/Edwards. Guys who can get their own shot, get to the rim, hit the 3, etc.
Those are the types he seems to struggle to land.

 

[Level 42]

What Paint really needs is some 3 level scoring guards in the mold of Ivey/Edwards. Guys who can get their own shot, get to the rim, hit the 3, etc.
Those are the types he seems to struggle to land.

Brandon Newman waves hello. Don't you ever tire of being wrong all the time?

 

[DAG10]

This is why securing Washington is pretty important. The last 3 commits are sort of "meh", and I'm sure if you ask the recruiting experts, they probably agree.
Getting someone like Washington brings some excitement to the mix.

I am not worried about the excitement factor...Purdue needs some difference-makers, and, Washington is one of those guys (just as Ivey, Kaufmann-Renn and Furst).

I do not see Loyer as a "meh" type recruit...and, I think Smith is (and will be) better than he is being given credit for at the moment.

That said, Painter/Purdue are seemingly in a position where they should be able to land more difference-makers...they are in on more such guys on a national level it would appear...which is encouraging, but, they need to have more success in landing such guys...particularly in-state ones like Washington

What Paint really needs is some 3 level scoring guards in the mold of Ivey/Edwards. Guys who can get their own shot, get to the rim, hit the 3, etc.
Those are the types he seems to struggle to land.

I agree that those are the kind of guys he needs (so does everyone else for that matter). I think he targets those guys though...and, I am not sure why he struggles to land them, aside of him just being brutally honest about expecting them to go to class, play defense as well, and, to be guys that play within the design of what they are trying to do offensively. None of those things should really eliminate Purdue for such guys, but, it seemingly does...that, or the timeless knock on just physical location.

CE had as much freedom within an offense as anyone could really ask for...Jaden has had it as well...if kids can't see that, it is on them, not Painter. He has shown time and again that he will give guys opportunities, and, more of them if they are elite...he has always played through his best players.

 

[DAG10]

Brandon Newman waves hello. Don't you ever tire of being wrong all the time?

I am a big fan of Newman as well.

Very talented...and, great attitude and hard worker.

I am hopeful that he takes another step this year...I am interested to see what role he has, as, he changed when his role did late in the season and I am hoping that is not an issue this year.