Carmody video

[Roeder]

Nope, I bleed old gold & black. Just want a championship that's all. Don't know what is wrong with that.

I can't believe a few people are not wanting Carmody. If you bleed Gold and Black this is a player you want above most others in 2018. His toughness, defense, leadership, and shooting are all things Purdue will need after this SR class graduates.

If you are wanting a National Championship this is the type of guy you want somewhere on your roster[/QUOTE]

 

[PU52Chevy]

IMO I still say it is Purdue or Maryland......but I say he chooses Purdue.

He likes our style of play, family atmosphere, university and coaches.

Boiler Up!

 

[Boiler Buck]

DJ Byrd might be my least favorite Boiler of all time. He was a horrible teammate and took way too many terrible shots. He was also on some of Purdue's worst teams. When he graduated, I did a happy dance. Comparing Carmody to Byrd is very concerning to me. I would want him to end up more like Mathias that can drive better. They are completely different players, but I would expect similar impact.

Just saying his outside shot and more particularly his "Build" is similar to DJ Bryd. Not saying his game is similar to DJB.

Mathias - IMO Carmody's shot is not as quick as his, but form wise that is a good & fair comparison....I have also read that people believe his court-sense and understanding of the game compare to DM....as I know others have compared him to Mathias....and that is why I think they are using that comparison.

 

[Statey]

I was joking about Williamson plus we have never offered him. We have offered Romeo but believe we have backed off.

End of the day, one and dones like them don't fit into the system/program Painter has cultivated

Where did you hear/read that Painter has slowed on Romeo? News to me, but maybe I missed that somewhere.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

Where did you hear/read that Painter has slowed on Romeo? News to me, but maybe I missed that somewhere.

Not sure I read it anywhere. Basing it off the coaching staff and where they are focusing their time to watch players.

I could be entirely incorrect on my assumption.

 

[StickPurdue]

Where did you hear/read that Painter has slowed on Romeo? News to me, but maybe I missed that somewhere.

Romeo narrowed it to Duke and Louisville. We are out. Although, I believe he ruled out Purdue a while ago. We made his top ten atleast right?​

 

[ChoiceBeef]

Romeo narrowed it to Duke and Louisville. We are out. Although, I believe he ruled out Purdue a while ago. We made his top ten atleast right?​

I don't think he has made a cut list yet. Said he will make an official cut list at the end of the summer AAU season - http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2017/04/07/battle-romeo-langford/100173088/

 

[Boiler Buck]

IMO I still say it is Purdue or Maryland......

MD?.....I thought it was between Purdue ND & Mich and he is doing 3 June visits and will decide right after unless Duke comes calling....??

 

[StickPurdue]

MD?.....I thought it was between Purdue ND & Mich and he is doing 3 June visits and will decide right after unless Duke comes calling....??

ND signed a guard that Maryland was after. Maryland was already recruiting Carmody, so it's possible they upped their interest and Notre Dame lowered theirs. Either way, I want him to end up as a Boiler. He is a hard nosed player that is efficient on offense and a good defender. Would be a great pickup.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

ND signed a guard that Maryland was after. Maryland was already recruiting Carmody, so it's possible they upped their interest and Notre Dame lowered theirs. Either way, I want him to end up as a Boiler. He is a hard nosed player that is efficient on offense and a good defender. Would be a great pickup.

He was quoted recently saying that he is taking 3 officials this summer - ND, Purdue and Michigan. Also stated he plans to make his decision in the fall so not likely at this late in the game that Maryland sneaks in.

 

[StickPurdue]

He was quoted recently saying that he is taking 3 officials this summer - ND, Purdue and Michigan. Also stated he plans to make his decision in the fall so not likely at this late in the game that Maryland sneaks in.

He gets five officials and in the same article you are referencing, he mentioned Maryland was also recruiting him. I do believe it's Purdue, Michigan, and Notre Dame. Notre Dame just signed a combo guard (the one Maryland was also very hard after), so I am not sure if that will affect his decision or not. All I am saying is, it isn't like Maryland is coming out of the blue here. It is also possible that after Maryland lost out, they upped their recruitment on Carmody.

I hope (and believe) that it will be Purdue that's lands Carmody. Once they do, I believe some of the others fall in line. Purdue is the favorite for Damezi Anderson who had a very good summer and has been recruited much harder. He may not be option 1 like Jerome Hunter or Bazley, but Anderson could sneak into the top 75. We were on Anderson early and hopefully we are still the favorite. Maybe Carmody signing would edge him forward in his decision. I would like to see Embery fall in quickly as well. With Phinisee and Eric Hunter, I would hope that second guard would commit quickly to avoid being left out. Would be amazing to have three top 100 players locked in before the fall. Then maybe Williams or Dowuana for the 5. Bingham would be ideal at he four, but his recruitment blew up and I am not sure he has any kind of real interest in Purdue. Ideally Purdue locks in this class early. It's a big class and it is an important one. Purdue is after enough similarly ranked players that maybe they put pressure on each other to get that early comittment. If Purdue can't get Bingham, I wouldn't be opposed to signing two wings that can guard multiple positions. The only true wing they have going into '18 is wheeler. Eastern and Ewing could fill the role, but it isn't their true position.

 

[bonefish1]

I was joking about Williamson plus we have never offered him. We have offered Romeo but believe we have backed off.

End of the day, one and dones like them don't fit into the system/program Painter has cultivated

What a silly comment... So, youre saying a one n done doesn't fit Painter's system? The only system it doesn't fit is because Painter doesn't land guys with enough talent to be one n done.

 

[bonefish1]

Kentucky was loaded with a starting 5 that are all going to the NBA - they won the SEC and got to the Elite Eight. One more victory than Purdue.

Duke had a roster loaded with 5 start players who are going to the NBA and they didn't make it out of the first weekend for the second year in a row.

Rosters loaded with one and done players do not guarantee National Titles.

If you are so disenfranchised with the way things have been going perhaps it is time to hop on another bandwagon.

How many FF have UK and Duke been to? I think that's proof that yes, one n done loaded rosters do guarantee tourney success over time.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

How many FF have UK and Duke been to? I think that's proof that yes, one n done loaded rosters do guarantee tourney success over time.

Since they started their one and done show 3. 1 for Kentucky and 2 for Duke.

Look at every other team that has won and ask how many one and done players they have.

I remember back in 2006 after Florida won the title and all their players left and they got a whole new crop of 5 star players and won it again - oh wait everyone returned and they won a title in 2007.

I'm silly but you're an idiot. Go hop on the BBN Bandwagon. I hear they are always taking on new fans

 

[bonefish1]

Since they started their one and done show 3. 1 for Kentucky and 2 for Duke.

Look at every other team that has won and ask how many one and done players they have.

I remember back in 2006 after Florida won the title and all their players left and they got a whole new crop of 5 star players and won it again - oh wait everyone returned and they won a title in 2007.

I'm silly but you're an idiot. Go hop on the BBN Bandwagon. I hear they are always taking on new fans

Kesselschmiede....is that you?
But, just so I'm clear, you think it's bad to have one n dones? How about 2 n dones?

 

[ChoiceBeef]

Kesselschmiede....is that you?
But, just so I'm clear, you think it's bad to have one n dones? How about 2 n dones?

I don't think one and done players are bad but they don't fit into our system and the program we have.

I don't have an issue with 2 or 3 and done players. They actually have more skin in the game because they have to buy in and become part of the team and school.

 

[Dryfly88]

I don't think one and done players are bad but they don't fit into our system and the program we have.

I don't have an issue with 2 or 3 and done players. They actually have more skin in the game because they have to buy in and become part of the team and school.

Please explain what you mean by that statement? What system do we have that wouldn't "fit" a player that was so talented that they are only going to be in school for 1 year? Do we have some unique system at PU that would not fit such talent? If so, then we better change that system so we can get higher level talent to come here.

It isn't just about 1 and done players. It's about getting the higher level recruits no matter how long they end up staying in school.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

Please explain what you mean by that statement? What system do we have that wouldn't "fit" a player that was so talented that they are only going to be in school for 1 year? Do we have some unique system at PU that would not fit such talent? If so, then we better change that system so we can get higher level talent to come here.

It isn't just about 1 and done players. It's about getting the higher level recruits no matter how long they end up staying in school.

First, we run a motion offense and most of the teams that focus on one and done players use iso. They also tend to run more uptempo offenses. We prefer to control the pace of the game.

Next, Painter wants players to buy into the work hard mentality which is difficult if you are looking to get paid in 6 months. You aren't there to make friends and be part of something - it is simply a springboard.

I would argue part of Swanigan's growth in his sophomore season was him being a better teammate. It started last summer with his posts about each of his teammates and you saw a side of Caleb that wasn't just the kid who was trying to get to the NBA. You saw him as someone who cared.
We don't have to change our system to cater to a specific type of player(s). I look at our 2018 targets and not sure we need to change anything about our offense or defense. Out of anything, our offense should be the big selling point to Carmody, Bazley and Anderson.

When I order a meal at a restaurant I don't ask the waiter for the salt. I trust the chef knew what he was doing when he made the food.

 

[Dryfly88]

First, we run a motion offense and most of the teams that focus on one and done players use iso. They also tend to run more uptempo offenses. We prefer to control the pace of the game.

Next, Painter wants players to buy into the work hard mentality which is difficult if you are looking to get paid in 6 months. You aren't there to make friends and be part of something - it is simply a springboard.

I would argue part of Swanigan's growth in his sophomore season was him being a better teammate. It started last summer with his posts about each of his teammates and you saw a side of Caleb that wasn't just the kid who was trying to get to the NBA. You saw him as someone who cared.
We don't have to change our system to cater to a specific type of player(s). I look at our 2018 targets and not sure we need to change anything about our offense or defense. Out of anything, our offense should be the big selling point to Carmody, Bazley and Anderson.

When I order a meal at a restaurant I don't ask the waiter for the salt. I trust the chef knew what he was doing when he made the food.

No idea what the last part is about..... Unless you are suggesting that CMP is the chef and nobody should question him. God, I hope that isn't what you meant. We've had plenty of that BS already.

Back to your post: The coaches job is to put together the best team possible. If you are going to consistently do that you need talent. I read on here 100 times last season how we didn't have the athletes to play zone. Hell, one poster even said we were one of the least athletic teams left in the round of 32. Those kind of comments scream for more talent to be brought in. Those could be 1 year guys or multiple year players. Either way if you are saying that CMP has a system that would discourage that kind of talent, then he needs to change the system.

I don't agree with your position. However, if you are correct and our style of play discourages top level talent from coming here then it needs to be changed. Recruiting is the single biggest thing that CMP needs to improve on. I think he is doing so and we will see for sure if he is with the 2018 class.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

I read on here 100 times last season how we didn't have the athletes to play zone.

1. We aren't switching to zone so let's go ahead and leave that dead horse alone.

Hell, one poster even said we were one of the least athletic teams left in the round of 32. Those kind of comments scream for more talent to be brought i

2. I could agree with lack elite level athletes and I believe Painter did a decent job addressing that with the 17 class especially Eastern and Wheeler. The people he is going after in 18 also indicate he is looking to continue that trend. Also signals he is seeing the game evolve from 1-5 concrete definitions by position to see 3 positions; guards, wings and bruisers.

Either way if you are saying that CMP has a system that would discourage that kind of talent, then he needs to change the system.

However, if you are correct and our style of play discourages top level talent from coming here then it needs to be changed.

3. Didn't say our style of play discourages 5 star one and done players. If your goal is to pay your penance for 1 year in college to go to the NBA, you might want offensive schemes that you can showcase your talent such as ISO. Motion offense doesn't necessarily do that because it requires a player to be unselfish and share the ball. In a motion offense, depending on how the defense reacts, you might score 30 one game and 5 the next.

Recruiting is the single biggest thing that CMP needs to improve on. I think he is doing so and we will see for sure if he is with the 2018 class.

4. We are in a strong agreement here.

 

[Dryfly88]

1. We aren't switching to zone so let's go ahead and leave that dead horse alone.



2. I could agree with lack elite level athletes and I believe Painter did a decent job addressing that with the 17 class especially Eastern and Wheeler. The people he is going after in 18 also indicate he is looking to continue that trend. Also signals he is seeing the game evolve from 1-5 concrete definitions by position to see 3 positions; guards, wings and bruisers.




3. Didn't say our style of play discourages 5 star one and done players. If your goal is to pay your penance for 1 year in college to go to the NBA, you might want offensive schemes that you can showcase your talent such as ISO. Motion offense doesn't necessarily do that because it requires a player to be unselfish and share the ball. In a motion offense, depending on how the defense reacts, you might score 30 one game and 5 the next.


4. We are in a strong agreement here.

I brought up the zone comments because it illustrates how many people felt we lacked athletes. CMP doesn't believe in zone, but just the fact that many, many people pointed to lack of athletes says we need to do better on that front.

We'll see how the 2018 class comes together. I feel that will tell us whether he has made the improvement or not.

 

[ThreeTwaunMoore]

I'm tired of this mediocrity.

Purdue won the Big Ten title this past season.

 

[ThreeTwaunMoore]

Yep, and Eric Hunter doesn't do anything for me either. Hunter is too strong hand dominant from what I've seen. I'm telling y'all our expectations need to be raised. I've been watching Purdue basketball for 40 years now. Seen enough Purdue conference championships. It's time to win it all guys. Top 100 ain't good enough. Painter is a decent coach but not good enough coach to win a championship with top 100 guys obviously. I always thought that, but this season's butt whooping by the hands of Kansas confirmed it.

 

[ThreeTwaunMoore]

We should only go after top 10 kids and miss on all of them, then field a team with a bunch of walk ons. That should send the message that we will not stand for this mediocrity!

 

[tjreese]

1. We aren't switching to zone so let's go ahead and leave that dead horse alone.

2. I could agree with lack elite level athletes and I believe Painter did a decent job addressing that with the 17 class especially Eastern and Wheeler. The people he is going after in 18 also indicate he is looking to continue that trend. Also signals he is seeing the game evolve from 1-5 concrete definitions by position to see 3 positions; guards, wings and bruisers.

3. Didn't say our style of play discourages 5 star one and done players. If your goal is to pay your penance for 1 year in college to go to the NBA, you might want offensive schemes that you can showcase your talent such as ISO. Motion offense doesn't necessarily do that because it requires a player to be unselfish and share the ball. In a motion offense, depending on how the defense reacts, you might score 30 one game and 5 the next.
.

Purdue’s most crucial way of team improvement in the past, today and the future is talent. Talent as you know is neither athleticism nor skill, but the combination of the two to the highest level and equally dispersed, because you want a double edged sword. There are approaches to improve both, but skill improvement has the highest potential for improvement. However, improvement in skill not only requires proper technique, but the Desire to improve, the Dedication to improve, the Determination to push through distraction whether mental or physical and the Determination to reach the goal…the four D’s. Improvement in a player is the internal battle that is waged against contentment. It is quite common for athletes to rely on their strengths (generally good) and perhaps not improve the weaker areas.

Purdue like almost all teams rarely gets a player that is at the top level of talent or athleticism and skill combined. Purdue usually gets a balance, but a lesser level or a player with an unbalance of both skill and athleticism with a lean one way or another and yet still below the skill and athleticism many times of top talent. Motion does like a versatile player and obviously a “talented” player, but anecdotal evidence suggests today (maybe in the recent past?) that many of the “talented” players are perhaps more into themselves than perhaps years ago when college choice may not have hinged on the media love affair for the school and sport in question as much as legacy, proximity and major. Motion is an equal opportunity offense with a lean to off ball play. Today we see “more” on ball play or scoring. Off ball scoring requires more teamwork than on ball scoring since off ball requires help from others and on ball is more individually controlled. Many “talented” players it appears prefer controlling their touches…and a good reason why all youngsters that may be tall need to work on ball handling so that they too can control their game more than being dependent on someone that may not be able to get the ball to them.

The rules emphasis on the perimeter has enhanced the on ball play, but I think the pendulum will swing back. I just wish the clock (which also rules against motion more than on ball play) was removed or at least lengthened…but I enjoy more facets of the game than some fans.

 

[tjreese]

I brought up the zone comments because it illustrates how many people felt we lacked athletes. CMP doesn't believe in zone, but just the fact that many, many people pointed to lack of athletes says we need to do better on that front.

We'll see how the 2018 class comes together. I feel that will tell us whether he has made the improvement or not.

It is true that Matt doesn't believe the zone is as good a defense as man. Another problem with "last year" was that if you were only going to play two of the three (Vince, Biggie, Haas) at the same time, the only zone would leave Haas out when playing it. If you were playing Haas and wanted to play a zone, then you play all three OR really go small down low. The depth up front and desire offensively for only two bigs was a huge detriment to a zone with Haas. Athletes help in man and zone, but the rebounding is improved in a zone with athletes as well as the coverage when your area is flooding with more offensive players than you have defense in that area...the athletes do allow "better" coverage. Still, the main reason was Matt doesn't believe the zone is the best defense and then a distance 2nd is what zone would you play and still have Haas playing other than a 2-3 and either you are small down low or your offense is hindered as many believed two bigs played better than three...

 

[Dryfly88]

It is true that Matt doesn't believe the zone is as good a defense as man. Another problem with "last year" was that if you were only going to play two of the three (Vince, Biggie, Haas) at the same time, the only zone would leave Haas out when playing it. If you were playing Haas and wanted to play a zone, then you play all three OR really go small down low. The depth up front and desire offensively for only two bigs was a huge detriment to a zone with Haas. Athletes help in man and zone, but the rebounding is improved in a zone with athletes as well as the coverage when your area is flooding with more offensive players than you have defense in that area...the athletes do allow "better" coverage. Still, the main reason was Matt doesn't believe the zone is the best defense and then a distance 2nd is what zone would you play and still have Haas playing other than a 2-3 and either you are small down low or your offense is hindered as many believed two bigs played better than three...

There were too many posts for me to count where posters said the reason we weren't playing zone was because we didn't have the athletes to play it. While I don't personally agree with that statement, I think it's very telling (and germane to what another poster and I were talking about). PU lacks elite athletes. Forget zone or no zone (CMP doesn't believe in it, period) that wasn't the point of the comment.

The point was/is that we need to improve recruiting to the place where our fans can't say we are limited on defense because we don't have the proper athletes. Or that we "Are one of the least athletic teams left in the round of 32". I think the 2017 class is a step in the right direction and have said many times that 2018 will be very telling on how much improvement we have made in recruiting.

 

[tjreese]

There were too many posts for me to count where posters said the reason we weren't playing zone was because we didn't have the athletes to play it. While I don't personally agree with that statement, I think it's very telling (and germane to what another poster and I were talking about). PU lacks elite athletes. Forget zone or no zone (CMP doesn't believe in it, period) that wasn't the point of the comment.

The point was/is that we need to improve recruiting to the place where our fans can't say we are limited on defense because we don't have the proper athletes. Or that we "Are one of the least athletic teams left in the round of 32". I think the 2017 class is a step in the right direction and have said many times that 2018 will be very telling on how much improvement we have made in recruiting.

It is a guess on my part...that if Purdue gets better athletes we see the D extended somewhat in Man...because Matt believes it to be the best. I think the D gets adjusted in just how much pressure can be applied and not get fouls...like it is today...but perhaps with more space due to better athletes...and no question "recruiting" is crucial!

 

[hoosierdog1]

I can't believe a few people are not wanting Carmody. If you bleed Gold and Black this is a player you want above most others in 2018. His toughness, defense, leadership, and shooting are all things Purdue will need after this SR class graduates.

If you are wanting a National Championship this is the type of guy you want somewhere on your roster

[/QUOTE]
+1,000

 

[BoilerDaddy]

There were too many posts for me to count where posters said the reason we weren't playing zone was because we didn't have the athletes to play it. While I don't personally agree with that statement, I think it's very telling (and germane to what another poster and I were talking about). PU lacks elite athletes. Forget zone or no zone (CMP doesn't believe in it, period) that wasn't the point of the comment.

The point was/is that we need to improve recruiting to the place where our fans can't say we are limited on defense because we don't have the proper athletes. Or that we "Are one of the least athletic teams left in the round of 32". I think the 2017 class is a step in the right direction and have said many times that 2018 will be very telling on how much improvement we have made in recruiting.

Athletes are great, but I don't want Purdue to recruit unskilled athletes at the 1-4 positions. (I don't mind seeing a less skilled, more athletic 5, however.) In general, I would rather have average Big Ten athletes at the guard positions who can shoot than highly athletic guards who can't shoot.

 

[skfboiler]

Purdue won the Big Ten title this past season.

And? Been there, done that. I can't believe you guys are just settling for a B1G championship every now and then. It's time for something better. This season is the first time Purdue made to the Sweet Sixteen since 2010. Even in 2010 they let some little a... guard from VCU kill them on offense in the Sweet Sixteen game.

 

[tjreese]

And? Been there, done that. I can't believe you guys are just settling for a B1G championship every now and then. It's time for something better. This season is the first time Purdue made to the Sweet Sixteen since 2010. Even in 2010 they let some little a... guard from VCU kill them on offense in the Sweet Sixteen game.

I thank Matt does a good job generally but I think he extended the pressure way too long in that game

 

[ThreeTwaunMoore]

And? Been there, done that. I can't believe you guys are just settling for a B1G championship every now and then. It's time for something better. This season is the first time Purdue made to the Sweet Sixteen since 2010. Even in 2010 they let some little a... guard from VCU kill them on offense in the Sweet Sixteen game.

There's that settle crap again. What the heck does that even mean? Do you realize how stupid it sounds when you say we're settling for Big Ten championships? I'm proud of our players and proud of Purdue for having a basketball program that was the best team in the Big Ten. We all want to see us advance to a Final Four and get a national championship, but we've had a pretty solid program the past decade.
We have stuff to improve on, no doubt, but we are in a pretty good spot. You can continue to be miserable and have unrealistic expectations. Maybe if you keep throwing tantrums they will read this board and notice you are not a settler, and you will get an award for not being a settler and we will win a national title because of your not settling award.

 

[bonefish1]

1. We aren't switching to zone so let's go ahead and leave that dead horse alone.



2. I could agree with lack elite level athletes and I believe Painter did a decent job addressing that with the 17 class especially Eastern and Wheeler. The people he is going after in 18 also indicate he is looking to continue that trend. Also signals he is seeing the game evolve from 1-5 concrete definitions by position to see 3 positions; guards, wings and bruisers.




3. Didn't say our style of play discourages 5 star one and done players. If your goal is to pay your penance for 1 year in college to go to the NBA, you might want offensive schemes that you can showcase your talent such as ISO. Motion offense doesn't necessarily do that because it requires a player to be unselfish and share the ball. In a motion offense, depending on how the defense reacts, you might score 30 one game and 5 the next.


4. We are in a strong agreement here.

You do realize Purdue hasn't been to a Final Four in 38 years? But you're right, we don't want to get guys who can go pro after one year.

 

[Dryfly88]

Athletes are great, but I don't want Purdue to recruit unskilled athletes at the 1-4 positions. (I don't mind seeing a less skilled, more athletic 5, however.) In general, I would rather have average Big Ten athletes at the guard positions who can shoot than highly athletic guards who can't shoot.

If we improve the recruiting, by definition we will get skilled athletes. That's why they are more sought after recruits. It's all about improving the recruiting. I have faith that CMP will be able to coach them and get better results. He just needs to get the recruiting to a higher level and we have a better chance to get where we all want to be.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

You do realize Purdue hasn't been to a Final Four in 38 years? But you're right, we don't want to get guys who can go pro after one year.

You realize Kentucky and Duke don't win national titles every year right?

 

[bonefish1]

You realize Kentucky and Duke don't win national titles every year right?

So, would trade U.K. or Duke's success over the last 20 years for Purdue's?
The only common denominator since Purdues last FF is Keady and Painter. I'm beginning to suspect that may be the issue.
I personally wouldn't be opposed to a change in culture for the program.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

So, would trade U.K. or Duke's success over the last 20 years for Purdue's?
The only common denominator since Purdues last FF is Keady and Painter. I'm beginning to suspect that may be the issue.
I personally wouldn't be opposed to a change in culture for the program.

Again you make it seem like every year Kentucky, Arizona,and Duke get a free pass to the Final 4 because they sign every 5 star player. They don't.

I still believe Painter is a young coach and is learning to correct his past errors.

 

[bonefish1]

Again you make it seem like every year Kentucky, Arizona,and Duke get a free pass to the Final 4 because they sign every 5 star player. They don't.

I still believe Painter is a young coach and is learning to correct his past errors.

UofA has been to 4 FF since 88, Duke has been to 16 all time and UK 17. There's absolutely zero comparison with Purdue and its 100% due to the high level of talent they're able to recruit. Period.

 

[Dakota Girl]

It is true that Matt doesn't believe the zone is as good a defense as man. Another problem with "last year" was that if you were only going to play two of the three (Vince, Biggie, Haas) at the same time, the only zone would leave Haas out when playing it. If you were playing Haas and wanted to play a zone, then you play all three OR really go small down low. The depth up front and desire offensively for only two bigs was a huge detriment to a zone with Haas. Athletes help in man and zone, but the rebounding is improved in a zone with athletes as well as the coverage when your area is flooding with more offensive players than you have defense in that area...the athletes do allow "better" coverage. Still, the main reason was Matt doesn't believe the zone is the best defense and then a distance 2nd is what zone would you play and still have Haas playing other than a 2-3 and either you are small down low or your offense is hindered as many believed two bigs played better than three...

Nice illustration of why there has not been zone in West Lafayette. It also forewarnd that even with upgraded athleticism there still may not be. I just hope that after next season (I think Haas has to go to make it happen) we see a defense more capable of defending the iso's and ball screens employed by the upper echelon teams.
That, regardless of type if D we play, could make us more capable of withstanding a 1 or 2 seed in the Tournament. Maybe even be one.