Aaron Wheeler comment

[reswat]

What do you all think about this comment from Aaron Wheeler:

"In case things don't work out with basketball, I'd still be able to graduate with a great degree from Purdue and be successful after college."​

A part of me says, "Gee, this is a level-headed young man who realizes that very few college players make it to the next level. I like him."

Another part of me says, "Where's the fire in your belly!!?? What are you talking about...'if things don't work out with basketball'? You make them work out!"

A part of me wishes he had said "Purdue will be a great place to prepare me for the next level!"

You know, Batman didn't actually make it out of the pit until he made the jump with no rope attached.

 

[dwhitebash11]

He's being realistic. You can't put all your eggs into one basket, and end up barely graduating @ Purdue. They are still Student-Athletes. I'm okay with it, and I think he understands the reason why he can get the education at Purdue is because of his skill-set on the court, and if he wants to continue to get a free education at Purdue, he needs to continue to showcase his skill-set on the court.

 

[reswat]

He's being realistic. You can't put all your eggs into one basket, end up barely graduating Purdue. Student-Athletes. I'm okay with it, and I think he understands the reason why he can get the education at Purdue is because of his skill-set on the court, and if he wants to continue to get a free education at Purdue, he needs to continue to showcase his skill-set on the court.

Oh, sure, you want to go all logical and realistic on me. But what about Batman?

 

[PU52Chevy]

I like it...Purdue is a great degree to have.

I think he has the fire but he is coming to Purdue for the right reasons, not for the coach or Basketball but to get the degree.

I think our coach and the basketball are what is giving his opportunity, but the degree in the end is what makes it all worth while.

He will be a fine representative of Purdue....proud to have him part of the family.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Oh, sure, you want to go all logical and realistic on me. But what about Batman?

What you talkin bout?

skip to 3:23

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

He's being realistic. You can't put all your eggs into one basket, and end up barely graduating @ Purdue. They are still Student-Athletes. I'm okay with it, and I think he understands the reason why he can get the education at Purdue is because of his skill-set on the court, and if he wants to continue to get a free education at Purdue, he needs to continue to showcase his skill-set on the court.

yeah, sounds grounded like Ray Davis....doesn't mean he won't work hard to improve and compete (to get to the next level or otherwise), or lack self-confidence. I do get what reswat was trying to say.

 

[BBG]

What do I think? I think you're reading too much in to a comment. That said, it's the right thing to say.

 

[tjreese]

yeah, sounds grounded like Ray Davis....doesn't mean he won't work hard to improve and compete (to get to the next level or otherwise), or lack self-confidence. I do get what reswat was trying to say.

a more athletic Ray Davis that hopefully has the fire

 

[PU pit bull]

It was a compliment.

 

[HoosierfanJM]

IU fan checking in:

I have no idea if Wheeler will be an effective player for PU, as I have never seen him play.

BUT...that is one of the best comments I have read accompanying a commitment in a long time.
It's not just a compliment; it's a big sign that Purdue is bringing in a quality human being, who also plays D1 basketball.

And that's a really good place to start for anyone incoming to your program.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

IU fan checking in:

I have no idea if Wheeler will be an effective player for PU, as I have never seen him play.

BUT...that is one of the best comments I have read accompanying a commitment in a long time.
It's not just a compliment; it's a big sign that Purdue is bringing in a quality human being, who also plays D1 basketball.

And that's a really good place to start for anyone incoming to your program.

Classy post.

 

[tjreese]

IU fan checking in:

I have no idea if Wheeler will be an effective player for PU, as I have never seen him play.

BUT...that is one of the best comments I have read accompanying a commitment in a long time.
It's not just a compliment; it's a big sign that Purdue is bringing in a quality human being, who also plays D1 basketball.

And that's a really good place to start for anyone incoming to your program.

Thank you for the kind, sincere words. I wish all the teams in D1 were filled with players having that perspective. With his head on like that he will improve during his stay. I must also ask if you are the person I discussed some educational topics a few years ago?

 

[HoosierfanJM]

Thank you for the kind, sincere words. I wish all the teams in D1 were filled with players having that perspective. With his head on like that he will improve during his stay. I must also ask if you are the person I discussed some educational topics a few years ago?

Don't think so, but I am a big fan of student athletes and players that are easy to root for as a minimum standard, and then the best ballers that pass that test. It makes it a joy to root for your team, and classy kids win more!

Just look at IU and PU in the past few years; gone are the Hollowells, Pereas, Barlows, Ronnie Js, and in have been the Anunobys, Clines, Bielfeldts, JHills, Juwan Morgan, V Edwards, and on and on.

It's almost like Crean and Painter had a joint revelation that high-end kids are the way to go, win or lose. And we're both top 15 teams as a result.

Good stuff, and good times.

 

[dwhitebash11]

Oh, sure, you want to go all logical and realistic on me. But what about Batman?

Bruh... Don't even get me started on batman... my fingers can't take the workload...
Dudes a freak without superpowers... basically me minus the insane utility belt

 

[cprh9u]

What do you all think about this comment from Aaron Wheeler:

"In case things don't work out with basketball, I'd still be able to graduate with a great degree from Purdue and be successful after college."​

A part of me says, "Gee, this is a level-headed young man who realizes that very few college players make it to the next level. I like him."

Another part of me says, "Where's the fire in your belly!!?? What are you talking about...'if things don't work out with basketball'? You make them work out!"

A part of me wishes he had said "Purdue will be a great place to prepare me for the next level!"

You know, Batman didn't actually make it out of the pit until he made the jump with no rope attached.

He's realistic. You hear some top recruits say this, even though you know they have no intention of staying long term. Assuming the NBA doesn't work out, I hope he does work hard, get his degree and put it to good use.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

What do you all think about this comment from Aaron Wheeler:

"In case things don't work out with basketball, I'd still be able to graduate with a great degree from Purdue and be successful after college."​

A part of me says, "Gee, this is a level-headed young man who realizes that very few college players make it to the next level. I like him."

Another part of me says, "Where's the fire in your belly!!?? What are you talking about...'if things don't work out with basketball'? You make them work out!"

A part of me wishes he had said "Purdue will be a great place to prepare me for the next level!"

You know, Batman didn't actually make it out of the pit until he made the jump with no rope attached.

I think that the quote is great. He shouldn't be taking the NBA for granted and all student athletes should value the educational opportunity that they have.

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

Don't think so, but I am a big fan of student athletes and players that are easy to root for as a minimum standard, and then the best ballers that pass that test. It makes it a joy to root for your team, and classy kids win more!

Just look at IU and PU in the past few years; gone are the Hollowells, Pereas, Barlows, Ronnie Js, and in have been the Anunobys, Clines, Bielfeldts, JHills, Juwan Morgan, V Edwards, and on and on.

It's almost like Crean and Painter had a joint revelation that high-end kids are the way to go, win or lose. And we're both top 15 teams as a result.

Good stuff, and good times.

I think Painter just realized that his ceiling at Purdue is developing a team every 3-4 years to bring really good is how he can take Purdue deep in the tourney. That's not to say those other years Purdue will be bad...probably in the 4-7 range in conference with an NCAA appearance...but getting players like Haarms and Wheeler tells me that Painter knows his limits and the limits at Purdue (currently) and is building the roster as such. There is never anything wrong with winning 20-22 games and making the tourney as a 6-10 seed and developing and then every 3-4 years making that jump and winning 28-30 games and being a 1-4 seed and finishing in the top 3 in conference. That is who Purdue appears to be right now...that isn't saying that can't change with improved performance in March...but that is what it appears to be to me.

 

[nagemj02]

I think Painter just realized that his ceiling at Purdue is developing a team every 3-4 years to bring really good is how he can take Purdue deep in the tourney. That's not to say those other years Purdue will be bad...probably in the 4-7 range in conference with an NCAA appearance...but getting players like Haarms and Wheeler tells me that Painter knows his limits and the limits at Purdue (currently) and is building the roster as such. There is never anything wrong with winning 20-22 games and making the tourney as a 6-10 seed and developing and then every 3-4 years making that jump and winning 28-30 games and being a 1-4 seed and finishing in the top 3 in conference. That is who Purdue appears to be right now...that isn't saying that can't change with improved performance in March...but that is what it appears to be to me.

I don't think it's "knowing his limits". It's more being unable to get his initial targets more often than not. Do you think he would turn down Jaren Jackson, Jr. or Malik Williams if they de-committed and said they were going to commit to Purdue instead? No, he wouldn't so the argument about "knowing his limits" is an idea derived to put a positive spin on getting players that weren't his first options. These commits can be very good players, but that doesn't change the fact that Painter missed on several of his initial targets for 2017.

 

[tjreese]

I don't think it's "knowing his limits". It's more being unable to get his initial targets more often than not. Do you think he would turn down Jaren Jackson, Jr. or Malik Williams if they de-committed and said they were going to commit to Purdue instead? No, he wouldn't so the argument about "knowing his limits" is an idea derived to put a positive spin on getting players that weren't his first options. These commits can be very good players, but that doesn't change the fact that Painter missed on several of his initial targets for 2017.

I see a little of both. I think Matt understands that most likely a really solid, good program will be built on 3 to 4 year players. Outside of a few schools that is the case for the others. Once it is solid every year and him reloading, his chances for greater talent will also increase. Purdue wasn't very good when many of the 2017 players were watching. Although I prefer two solid 4s I think recruiting a 5 is an interesting strategy and makes sense as well. If Purdue gets known for solid 5's it helps recruiting not just for 5's but for others that want to play down a position...since that is what happens in the NBA for many players...just like college players many times end up playing down a spot from high school. Purdue was bad just a couple of years ago and had there been good recruiting classes after the baby Boilers this conversation probably wouldn't take place.

I really thought Williams would end up at Purdue, but sometimes the youngsters get starstruck. I know my views are different than when I was 17 or so...

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

I see a little of both. I think Matt understands that most likely a really solid, good program will be built on 3 to 4 year players. Outside of a few schools that is the case for the others. Once it is solid every year and him reloading, his chances for greater talent will also increase. Purdue wasn't very good when many of the 2017 players were watching. Although I prefer two solid 4s I think recruiting a 5 is an interesting strategy and makes sense as well. If Purdue gets known for solid 5's it helps recruiting not just for 5's but for others that want to play down a position...since that is what happens in the NBA for many players...just like college players many times end up playing down a spot from high school. Purdue was bad just a couple of years ago and had there been good recruiting classes after the baby Boilers this conversation probably wouldn't take place.

I really thought Williams would end up at Purdue, but sometimes the youngsters get starstruck. I know my views are different than when I was 17 or so...

I think you are right. Painter would never turn down a Biggie or a JJJ...but the fact is Purdue will never build a roster full of those one or two and done players. The roster will be mostly of those 3-4 year players that Painter can hopefully use to sell the ability of those higher ranked players to come in and make a major impact (similar to what sold Biggie).