Big boy basketball once again.

[tjreese]

IMO, the athletic guard, wing or whatever is not as important as Oscar, Daniel and Trey not only able to score on the blocks, but at least out to 15 feet. The interchangeability should this happen pretty much eliminates an effective zone should Purdue be off behind the arc. The power that can be played takes a toll as it did with Zach on other team’s front lines drawing fouls and getting into the bonus quicker and removing pieces from the other team…not to mention the ability to run high low with whatever defender you want to defend the low post. This is not to say that desires for a more athletic player (as others state…get his own shot) couldn’t possibly help, but IMO secondary to the trio becoming very good inside and out to 15.

We know Braden can get his own shot…along with CJ and wouldn’t be surprised to see Giccari get there over the summer and Fletch offering some drives and mid-range pullup. Open behind the arc potential good shooting comes from Braden, Fletch, CJ, Giccari, Cam and Jack. Jack does a good job of getting open and Braden will find him. Giccari and CJ are more combo guards that could spell Braden for short stints, but are young and not the pure PG Braden is. Does Purdue if wanting another player get a PG to back up Braden or does Purdue look for the athletic 3 man which appears t take some time away from Cam/Fletch or does Purdue look at a 2 man to possibly start knowing CJ/Giccari are still young but promising? All of this could be beneficial, but what an unstoppable front line Purdue could have at the 4 and 5 if the Trio are effective in the low post and out to 15.

Oscar reminds me a “little” of Brad Miller in that he generally plays below the rim, but is effective in what appears to be his girth without the passing of Brad perhaps.

edit below
Completely forgot Burgess that I have high hopes for adding to that Trio.

 

[Dryfly88]

#3 with ability to get his own shot is top priority now IMO. I'm not worried about relief for Smith. If CMP really wants to give him rest, he can. I just don't think he likes having him off the floor.

 

[tjreese]

#3 with ability to get his own shot is top priority now IMO. I'm not worried about relief for Smith. If CMP really wants to give him rest, he can. I just don't think he likes having him off the floor.

Only the opposition wants Braden off the floor. Giccari/CJ have become more stable when resting Braden. 3 man is the desire from a decent amount of posters, but if the Trio actually develop games inside and out they would own the lane and that 3 man getting his own shot won't be so important, but if the Trio (and Burgess) do not get there then a player with an ability to score when defended gains more value IMO

 

[jdbrees922]

Is the 3 Can Heide ? If you for another my thinking is Cam leaves. Sometimes be careful what you wish

 

[Dryfly88]

Only the opposition wants Braden off the floor. Giccari/CJ have become more stable when resting Braden. 3 man is the desire from a decent amount of posters, but if the Trio actually develop games inside and out they would own the lane and that 3 man getting his own shot won't be so important, but if the Trio (and Burgess) do not get there then a player with an ability to score when defended gains more value IMO

My point is, we have guys that can give Smith rest if CMP wants to. We don't need to add another person for that role. Hell, at most Smith would sit 5 minutes anyway. We can handle that right now. 4/5 is now set, so the only thing left is #3 that can go get it. I like Cam, but I don't see him after 3 years getting the handles to do that. Let him do what he does and get someone that has the ability to drive it already.

To the above poster, if getting a good #3 makes Cam transfer, then so be it.

 

[mryankee2397]

any word on who painter is looking at?

 

[Gemini95]

Big men are great but it took Zach level greatness to get that system to the final 4. It would be nice to not be completely out-athleted for once.

 

[02BoilerUp]

Big men are great but it took Zach level greatness to get that system to the final 4. It would be nice to not be completely out-athleted for once.

Right, like I think we all feel that we have the nucleus to have a legit shot at a title and 3 starters that are seniors. To me, you don't leave anything to chance or just a hope that this guy improves enough and can do what we need. Obviously, long athletic guards or wings are what we lack. I do have a concern for players currently on the team and how they feel, it just can't supercede my desire and willingness to go out and get what I think we lack when comparing to what this year's final 4 teams have or teams that we didn't match up well with this yr.

 

[Dryfly88]

We have a chance at a special season next year. Nothing is promised, but this has the makings of not a good team, but a great team. I'm confident CMP is going to do everything he can to make that happen. IMO, that is adding 1 more scorer (not necessarily a shooter, but a scorer). Can't wait to see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

 

[tjreese]

My point is, we have guys that can give Smith rest if CMP wants to. We don't need to add another person for that role. Hell, at most Smith would sit 5 minutes anyway. We can handle that right now. 4/5 is now set, so the only thing left is #3 that can go get it. I like Cam, but I don't see him after 3 years getting the handles to do that. Let him do what he does and get someone that has the ability to drive it already.

To the above poster, if getting a good #3 makes Cam transfer, then so be it.

I get it. If Matt gets another and I think he will, that player will be icing on the cake for what should be a really good team. Matt may not get his pick, but will find an effective fill for a potential shortcoming in a certain area I expect. Cam may or may not be much of a driver, but Braden is, Fletch can and I expect CJ and Giccari to get better...especially if Cam and Jack add to perimeter shooting for spacing. Matt may look for more of a defender at the 2 or 3 than a driver? Interesting times we are having...where in a few minutes players you may not be aware are suddenly on your favorite team.

 

[tjreese]

Big men are great but it took Zach level greatness to get that system to the final 4. It would be nice to not be completely out-athleted for once.

you realize the system I describe you have not seen at Purdue if you only saw big players

 

[DrEss]

Topping off the roster by getting from the portal, a long, athletic, defensive minded 2/3, would truly be an embarrassment of riches for Purdue.

 

[Gemini95]

you realize the system I describe you have not seen at Purdue if you only saw big players

Yeah i think we have.
Happy to have Cluff and i think we will see some nice high-low action with him and TKR. Just don't believe that plus hoping enough 3's go down is necessarily enough.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

any word on who painter is looking at?

kennard davis from siu and Rashad king from northeastern have been floated around/rumored

 

[proudopete]

kennard davis from siu and Rashad king from northeastern have been floated around/rumored

 

[tjreese]

Yeah i think we have.
Happy to have Cluff and i think we will see some nice high-low action with him and TKR. Just don't believe that plus hoping enough 3's go down is necessarily enough.

So I'm curious who Purdue had that allowed effective interchangeability as I stated. I admit I could be forgetting someone, but can't recall that happening, but rather only playing a couple of bigs at the same time. Who were the interchangeable parts? That really is the key. What happens with a lot of people and maybe not you is that they see teams that do well with such and such and think getting such and such is the key which may or may not be. What is being witnessed is the probability of seeing such just due to the number game of the population being more prevalent. What I'm talking about is potential interchangeability and all that it brings should it be achieved considering the advantages and disadvantages of such with the players I mentioned. Doesn't mean I'm right or certainly that it is obtained, but I sure see if accomplished a very powerful offense

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

View embedded media

SON OF A

kennard Davis it is!

 

[seminolesboilers]

Well…King is gone! What is Catchings phone number? Better dial it, Painter! Losing your roster…

I have a feeling that Purdue will not do well in the new age of pandemic free agency…

 

[jdbrees922]

Back to slow white guys . Hit the lottery when Edey transformed into a great player but that happens once a blue moon. Now we lost our only 2 guys that could play above the rim. Against good athletic teams we will struggle again

 

[Poprudy]

So I'm curious who Purdue had that allowed effective interchangeability as I stated. I admit I could be forgetting someone, but can't recall that happening, but rather only playing a couple of bigs at the same time. Who were the interchangeable parts? That really is the key. What happens with a lot of people and maybe not you is that they see teams that do well with such and such and think getting such and such is the key which may or may not be. What is being witnessed is the probability of seeing such just due to the number game of the population being more prevalent. What I'm talking about is potential interchangeability and all that it brings should it be achieved considering the advantages and disadvantages of such with the players I mentioned. Doesn't mean I'm right or certainly that it is obtained, but I sure see if accomplished a very powerful offense

These were my thoughts as well.

I know most don't want to think about Catchings, but he would make sense with Cluff. If we can have DJ, TKR, Cluff and Catchings at the 4-5 spots. We would have that interchangeability with post players. I'm not saying it will happen, but wouldn't be against it.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Well…King is gone! What is Catchings phone number? Better dial it, Painter! Losing your roster…

I have a feeling that Purdue will not do well in the new age of pandemic free agency…

No man

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Back to slow white guys . Hit the lottery when Edey transformed into a great player but that happens once a blue moon. Now we lost our only 2 guys that could play above the rim. Against good athletic teams we will struggle again

And now we gotta fill the spots with same or better

 

[Dryfly88]

Geezus, a couple of you guys are acting just like you do in the game threads. Relax for just a bit and let this whole thing play out. If after the portal closes, we still haven't replaced the players we lost with equal, if not better talent, then you can panic and jump off the cliff.

Until then, wait and see what CMP does with the roster.

 

[Poprudy]

Geezus, a couple of you guys are acting just like you do in the game threads. Relax for just a bit and let this whole thing play out. If after the portal closes, we still haven't replaced the players we lost with equal, if not better talent, then you can panic and jump off the cliff.

Until then, wait and see what CMP does with the roster.

Yep, no way we should panic over bench players. They were huge core pieces, but CMP will adjust accordingly.

 

[tjreese]

These were my thoughts as well.

I know most don't want to think about Catchings, but he would make sense with Cluff. If we can have DJ, TKR, Cluff and Catchings at the 4-5 spots. We would have that interchangeability with post players. I'm not saying it will happen, but wouldn't be against it.

if his head were on straight he could be a 3 or 4 easily providing size at the 3 and stretch at the four. However, there would be a lot of questions to ask and consequences stated...

 

[Hatchets7times]

IMO, the athletic guard, wing or whatever is not as important as Oscar, Daniel and Trey not only able to score on the blocks, but at least out to 15 feet. The interchangeability should this happen pretty much eliminates an effective zone should Purdue be off behind the arc. The power that can be played takes a toll as it did with Zach on other team’s front lines drawing fouls and getting into the bonus quicker and removing pieces from the other team…not to mention the ability to run high low with whatever defender you want to defend the low post. This is not to say that desires for a more athletic player (as others state…get his own shot) couldn’t possibly help, but IMO secondary to the trio becoming very good inside and out to 15.

We know Braden can get his own shot…along with CJ and wouldn’t be surprised to see Giccari get there over the summer and Fletch offering some drives and mid-range pullup. Open behind the arc potential good shooting comes from Braden, Fletch, CJ, Giccari, Cam and Jack. Jack does a good job of getting open and Braden will find him. Giccari and CJ are more combo guards that could spell Braden for short stints, but are young and not the pure PG Braden is. Does Purdue if wanting another player get a PG to back up Braden or does Purdue look for the athletic 3 man which appears t take some time away from Cam/Fletch or does Purdue look at a 2 man to possibly start knowing CJ/Giccari are still young but promising? All of this could be beneficial, but what an unstoppable front line Purdue could have at the 4 and 5 if the Trio are effective in the low post and out to 15.

Oscar reminds me a “little” of Brad Miller in that he generally plays below the rim, but is effective in what appears to be his girth without the passing of Brad perhaps.

edit below
Completely forgot Burgess that I have high hopes for adding to that Trio.

Any team that shoots the three .
Is capable of neutralizing bigs.
It's where all of basketball is now..

 

[tjreese]

Any team that shoots the three .
Is capable of neutralizing bigs.
It's where all of basketball is now..

1) What is the optimal spacing behind the arc? 2) Are four behind the arc closer or farther apart than 3 behind the arc? 3) Does having two interchangeable bigs hinder the three behind the arc? Basketball like football needs balance to be solid.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

Yeah i think we have.
Happy to have Cluff and i think we will see some nice high-low action with him and TKR. Just don't believe that plus hoping enough 3's go down is necessarily enough.

adding a 7'4" guy with very good shot blocking instincts to a team that struggles to keep penetrators in front of them AND letting TKR post on 4's instead of guys bigger than he is going to be large all on it's own. Add a big bodied physical player (we had none) that avg over 10 boards a game and there's reason to be optimistic that have nothing to do with 3's going down.
We "should' be back to bully ball next year and that will help greatly.

 

[Do Dah Day]

if his head were on straight he could be a 3 or 4 easily providing size at the 3 and stretch at the four. However, there would be a lot of questions to ask and consequences stated...

Verbal commits says we offered him ... is that true?

 

[Do Dah Day]

adding a 7'4" guy with very good shot blocking instincts to a team that struggles to keep penetrators in front of them AND letting TKR post on 4's instead of guys bigger than he is going to be large all on it's own. Add a big bodied physical player (we had none) that avg over 10 boards a game and there's reason to be optimistic that have nothing to do with 3's going down.
We "should' be back to bully ball next year and that will help greatly.

well said

 

[Do Dah Day]

1) What is the optimal spacing behind the arc? 2) Are four behind the arc closer or farther apart than 3 behind the arc? 3) Does having two interchangeable bigs hinder the three behind the arc? Basketball like football needs balance to be solid.

I decided to pay attention to floor balance in the games Saturday and Sunday. 4 outside the arc seems to be the norm ... hardly anyone played big man back to the basket often. A VERY limited sample, but they were the elite 8.

 

[tjreese]

Verbal commits says we offered him ... is that true?

I have not heard anything like that. Last I heard Purdue got the Serb or will very soon

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

You can win with bigs... But I'd your goal is to win a national title, you have to have the guards. Guards are much more important.

 

[tjreese]

I decided to pay attention to floor balance in the games Saturday and Sunday. 4 outside the arc seems to be the norm ... hardly anyone played big man back to the basket often. A VERY limited sample, but they were the elite 8.

A couple of things going on there. 1) Most good bigs are at a few schools (limited teams). 2)It would seem natural that most teams would NOT have low post players due to the number game in the population. Now we are seeing dribble drive by most teams and dribble drive would have 4 or 5 behind the arc since the offense is predicated on individual breakdown of the D by driving the ball. So I think the accessibility of a quality big for many teams is limited...and the offense most popular today plays what they have and recruits dribble drive mostly. Matt has always been a bit of a contrarian using off ball screens which is not as popular with most teams...particularly the dribble drive teams. Many teams press or play high pressure in the half and having a big at the four pretty much eliminates that unless the Big can really move...which many can't. Matt has created an image that all good bigs should consider Purdue and again getting a quality person at the 5 pulls a player to Purdue that few exist.

Now at Purdue, what would I like to see using the 4 and 5? I've typed this a few times elsewhere, but want the trio of Jacobsen/Trey and Oscar to be able to interchange from low post to high or out to 15. Immediately we think Trey is really good 1)driving the ball and/or getting to the blocks and concerned that he will not be effective "out". That can be eliminated by 1) Trey developing a catch and shoot shot over a summer similar to what Zo did, but not needing to become that good. 2) play Jacobsen like Laimbeer where he defends inside but with his shooting play out...and that 7'4" can also feed someone down low. Not knowing the kind of range Cluff has we also know he can play low post and so Jacobsen if as skilled a shooter as he may be immediately solves playing with Trey and Cluff with Jacobsen on hi post offense ( a lot) with an unknown D ability by Cluff. You always have the three perimeter players and so the question is always the 4 man, is your 4 and 5 more effective than the opposing 4 and 5? If Your 4 can defend the other team's 4 when on the perimeter, then their typically smaller 4 cannot really defend the larger 4 in the lane. 4 & 5 behind the arc only gather fouls off drives where as only three behind the arc can dominate the lane and draw fouls. Does 4 behind the arc or on the perimeter get easier three balls or do easier three balls happen with dominant play inside the lane? Both can win...both can be good. It is probably easier to find a good four that can play behind the arc than a good 4 that plays closer to the rim. Who is most efficient or the easier to defend?

Having two bigs that play inside the arc like Houston goes back to my desire to have two bigs and three perimeter in that Houston bigs are very mobile and athletic with the size that I always type around 6'9" or so....but having the two bigs bigger can work as well...just won't be as graceful IMO.

 

[clankhan]

You can win with bigs... But I'd your goal is to win a national title, you have to have the guards. Guards are much more important.

Agreed. In today’s game you can win with a stretch 4 with length, 3 wings / hybrid guards. and 1-2 guards that can create.

 

[Poprudy]

I have not heard anything like that. Last I heard Purdue got the Serb or will very soon

So, we are getting the Serbian kid? That's the kid I want. Seems like a high upside per Video🤷‍♂️

 

[tjreese]

So, we are getting the Serbian kid? That's the kid I want. Seems like a high upside per Video🤷‍♂️

I believe so. I'm sure if it happens it will happen soon.

 

[tjreese]

Agreed. In today’s game you can win with a stretch 4 with length, 3 wings / hybrid guards. and 1-2 guards that can create.

so the three wings you describe can all be inside an offense with 3 out as opposed to 4 out. Again the difference is the 4 spot and the effectiveness of that spot relative to style. You can probably get a better 3 ball look with 3 out, but you also lose some driving with only 3 out. I don't believe you can look at what some team does and get an answer. Should Purdue look at Houston pressing and start recruiting a team that presses? Doing so (visually seeing a style )only starts the hypothesis of your proposal and there is no one way that success can be obtained...although some seem fundamentally better than others day in and day out.

 

[02BoilerUp]

I believe so. I'm sure if it happens it will happen soon.

TJ, have you seen much video of the Serbian? What are your thoughts on what he could do for us next season?

 

[tjreese]

TJ, have you seen much video of the Serbian? What are your thoughts on what he could do for us next season?

I've only watched the video provided in this site and yes the "highlights" seem to be an upgrade in performance. Kid can put it on the floor and seems to be able to shoot the ball. No reference to D since in that video D apparently wasn't allowed. Offensively, he is more versatile than Myles or CAm, but have no opinion on rebounding or defense...also in highlight videos you rarely see those things as well as an ability to pass the ball. If he commits (I think he will) I think it is a plus. Now, assuming his competition was better than a typical high school team since he played against "pros", then it is reasonable to assume he gets major minutes. Does he share minutes with Fletch and/or does he provide a potential stretch 4 as well? Problem is there is so much talent out there that we have no idea what is out there. We hear a name and then research that name...few if any really see the players and only see stats or highlights and then make their guess. Purdue can look very solid, which I think it will and another team might be able to piece together things it needs as as well and now they are a challenger.