If you can only pick one, who is the best defensive player in program history?
From the players that I have seen, I would pick Chris Kramer.
From the players that I have seen, I would pick Chris Kramer.
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Gotta agree with tenwest. Ricky Hall was so quick that Skiles, Alford, and Olsen (Wisconsin, before they were good) are still looking for him. Still remember how he so frustrated Skiles that he turned it over about 7 times, holding him to 4 pts. Or keeping Alford in single digits when few kept him below 20. The only one he couldn't handle was Randy Wittman, about 5 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier.According to Wikipedia:
Defensive Player of the Year
- Ricky Hall (1984)
- Porter Roberts (1996)
- Kenneth Lowe (2003, 2004)
- Chris Kramer (2008, 2010)
- JaJuan Johnson (2011)
- Rapheal Davis (2015)
- A. J. Hammons (2016)
Kenny Lowe might be the best overall. Kramer a close second and Cardinal third. Davis ended up being an elite defender his senior year but it took him awhile to get there.
Kenny Lowe might be the best overall. Kramer a close second and Cardinal third. Davis ended up being an elite defender his junior (corrected) year but it took him awhile to get there.
If you can only pick one, who is the best defensive player in program history?
From the players that I have seen, I would pick Chris Kramer.
Kramer was a "clutch" defender if there is such a thing.That's a great clip of the Alabama game. I remember him taking over that game on the defensive end.
He had a similar game at Northwestern. It was close and then he single handedly took control.
Love that play and have to go with Kramer. Has to be one of my all time favorite highlights. Whenever I go looking for the Kramer swimming play that is the best clip I can find. Wish there were a better source saved somewhere.
As a former IU fan, and one who detested the Boilers, Brian Cardinal was the one player I hated to see. Played so hard and so "aggressive".If you can only pick one, who is the best defensive player in program history?
From the players that I have seen, I would pick Chris Kramer.
As a former IU fan, and one who detested the Boilers, Brian Cardinal was the one player I hated to see. Played so hard and so "aggressive".
Late wife who was a die hard Boiler. The fact that I've always liked the clean way Painter runs the program. The way IU handled the Knight deal. Mike Davis. Kelvin Sampson. The fact Dakich cleaned up the mess and didn't get the job. Tom Crean and the drinkers and druggers he allowed to do as they pleased. Is that reason enough. Now watch the IU trolls start posting.What caused you to switch your allegiances?
Only five players in conference history have been named B2G DPOY twice...Lowe and Kramer make that list. Arguably Kramer should have won it three consecutive years.
The award has been given out 30 times. A Purdue player has won it 7 times. No other school has more than 5 (OSU).
Personally, I think Dove was over rated on defense. The true defender on that team was Cuonzo Martin. He could guard anyone., though I would also add Herb Dove to the honorable mention list. That guy put up some outstanding defensive performances against bigger players.
Of my time as a fan, I would go Chris Kramer. He would put his body on the line and made other team's fans and players mad.
Good friends with Kenny Lowe. Brought up the conversation going on. Told him it appeared to come down to himself, Kramer, and AJ. His response:
‘Damn, didn’t think it would even be a close discussion.’
Lowe is ever the competitor and if he can get his legs under him as a recruiter, we may see him back at Purdue as an assistant. He is currently at the UA tourney recruiting. Would love him to be back in West Lafayette if a spot opened up.
He put his nose on the line.....and Manny Harris broke it
That incident is what changed the freedom of movement rules in college basketball. It's why D.J. Byrd was assessed a flagrant foul in a loss to Villanova about 4 years later.
I ran into Kenny Lowe in the Mackey concourse after his final home game, and told him how much I had enjoyed watching him play. He actually apologized to me that they (the team) weren’t able to win more for the fans.Kenny Lowe bleeds Gold and Black. His passion while playing was not to be matched. One of my favorites for sure. Class act, stand up person. And although he had an infectious smile, I think he would have killed someone for Gene Keady. Good stuff JDB!
I ran into Kenny Lowe in the Mackey concourse after his final home game, and told him how much I had enjoyed watching him play. He actually apologized to me that they (the team) weren’t able to win more for the fans.
Gilliam was an under appreciated defender. He had a tremendous leaping ability and timing to trail a fast break and trap the ball against the board. Kramer of course was always in his man's grill. I also liked Mel Garland with his quickness and canny ability to wrap around the defender and knock the ball away, resulting in many breakaway baskets.Herm Gilliam - He played his man and Mount's as a 6-3 forward.
Good friends with Kenny Lowe. Brought up the conversation going on. Told him it appeared to come down to himself, Kramer, and AJ. His response:
‘Damn, didn’t think it would even be a close discussion.’
Lowe is ever the competitor and if he can get his legs under him as a recruiter, we may see him back at Purdue as an assistant. He is currently at the UA tourney recruiting. Would love him to be back in West Lafayette if a spot opened up.
He left with Jack Owens to be an assistant at ???
I was there the day Kramer was elbowed. They left the blood puddle lying there the whole time the refs were discussing what to call. Painter the psychologist at work.
Gilliam was an under appreciated defender. He had a tremendous leaping ability and timing to trail a fast break and trap the ball against the board. Kramer of course was always in his man's grill. I also liked Mel Garland with his quickness and canny ability to wrap around the defender and knock the ball away, resulting in many breakaway baskets.