Closing Shon Morris comments

[DrEss]

I completely agree and posted the same here on a couple occasions during the last few months. Our Boilers have a better chance to win the NCAA than they did to win the B1G this season. Of course, we need better guard play, cannot turn the ball over and a crapload of good fortune.

 

[rustcr]

I completely agree and posted the same here on a couple occasions during the last few months. Our Boilers have a better chance to win the NCAA than they did to win the B1G this season. Of course, we need better guard play, cannot turn the ball over and a crapload of good fortune.

Yes. Because Ted Valentine can't officiate their ncaa tournament games.

 

[BoilerGal74]

Yes. Because Ted Valentine can't officiate their ncaa tournament games.

Thank you God.....

 

[boilerbusdriver]

TV Teddy Valentine....a legend in his own mind!!

 

[nagemj02]

This is slightly OT (unrelated to the NCAA Tourney vs. B1G games commentary) but recently Shon Morris did a segment with A.J. and Isaac for BTN. If you haven't seen it, check it out (scroll down nearly halfway):

https://twitter.com/PurdueOnBTN

 

[*4purdue*]

I completely agree and posted the same here on a couple occasions during the last few months. Our Boilers have a better chance to win the NCAA than they did to win the B1G this season. Of course, we need better guard play, cannot turn the ball over and a crapload of good fortune.

All depends on match ups.

 

[lbodel]

I completely agree and posted the same here on a couple occasions during the last few months. Our Boilers have a better chance to win the NCAA than they did to win the B1G this season. Of course, we need better guard play, cannot turn the ball over and a crapload of good fortune.

Hammons needs to start playing like has doesn't have many games left. In theory, he could have 3 more games left as a Boilermaker.

He had an alright second half, but he needs to be the guy. I was really happy to see Vince get back in the groove last night, but Hammons needs to be unstoppable.

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

Hammons needs to start playing like has doesn't have many games left. In theory, he could have 3 more games left as a Boilermaker.

He had an alright second half, but he needs to be the guy. I was really happy to see Vince get back in the groove last night, but Hammons needs to be unstoppable.

I mentioned that to MHartPU (we have been friends since college for 13 years now) that AJ seemed to lack a fire last night in the first half. I think AJ can get out of the game mentally if a guy comes in and is extremely physical with him AND the refs don't call the fouls. You could see it in AJ's demeanor when Nebraska's 'bigs' were mugging him inside at times and a call wasn't made. It wasn't until the second half when Hammons fire seemed to get lit a little bit after a few dunks. If AJ can simply keep an even keel, he'll dominate in the NCAA tourney.

 

[honey_badger]

I thought Shon's comments (on B1G Network) were spot-on with regard to Purdue. He's got us figured out and was very complimentary of our capability.

 

[njm8845]

I don't think we have a better chance to win the NCAA than the B10.

14 teams compared to 68. And the 68 have been filtered for success.

I do agree that we'll be a tough out. However, I think a team with our size is better suited for a long, drawn out season than a series of elimination games. In the latter case, streaky shooters would seem to hold the advantage.

 

[nagemj02]

I don't think we have a better chance to win the NCAA than the B10.

14 teams compared to 68. And the 68 have been filtered for success.

I do agree that we'll be a tough out. However, I think a team with our size is better suited for a long, drawn out season than a series of elimination games. In the latter case, streaky shooters would seem to hold the advantage.

I would say any uptempo, high-scoring teams that like to spread it out will always have the potential to cause issues vs. Purdue in NCAA Tourney games as long as Coach Painter keeps his teams exclusively in his man-to-man D and using his man-to-man principles. Sometimes they need to show different looks and guard in different ways and with different spacing on D to keep opponents off-balance but he rarely (if ever) has his teams doing these things.

 

[DrEss]

6 game winning streak vs having the most Ws against teams and coaches that know what underwear you prefer. Need to play well, you need luck and to be fortunate with match ups over 3 weekends.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I mentioned that to MHartPU (we have been friends since college for 13 years now) that AJ seemed to lack a fire last night in the first half. I think AJ can get out of the game mentally if a guy comes in and is extremely physical with him AND the refs don't call the fouls. You could see it in AJ's demeanor when Nebraska's 'bigs' were mugging him inside at times and a call wasn't made. It wasn't until the second half when Hammons fire seemed to get lit a little bit after a few dunks. If AJ can simply keep an even keel, he'll dominate in the NCAA tourney.

AJH picked up two legitimate but "avoidable" fouls early on, and that seemed to dog/bother him all night....or at least appear to take him out of any good rhythm.....even into the start of the second half.

I agree that if he can focus through that in the post-season, Purdue will be that much tougher to beat.

 

[lbodel]

AJH picked up two legitimate but "avoidable" fouls early on, and that seemed to dog/bother him all night....or at least appear to take him out of any good rhythm.....even into the start of the second half.

I agree that if he can focus through that in the post-season, Purdue will be that much tougher to beat.

These are not new problems for AJ. He's always been easy to take out of a game mentally. It's his own self that has to change that. Was it the Iowa game at Mackey that he picked up a stupid 2nd foul nowhere near the basket on a rebound in the first half?

He just does not have the focus. I really like him, but it's probably what will bring down Purdue at the end of their season.

 

[nagemj02]

These are not new problems for AJ. He's always been easy to take out of a game mentally. It's his own self that has to change that. Was it the Iowa game at Mackey that he picked up a stupid 2nd foul nowhere near the basket on a rebound in the first half?

He just does not have the focus. I really like him, but it's probably what will bring down Purdue at the end of their season.

He's had enough focus to be quite dominating this season.

 

[Dryfly88]

He's had enough focus to be quite dominating this season.

And he has also disappeared/not engaged this year. That is exactly the problem with AJ, he doesn't bring his A game every night.

I'm glad he is on our team, but I shouldn't have to turn to my Son before every game and say "I hope AJ brings it tonight". What other great PU player did you have to worry about that with?

 

[PBoiler84]

Joe Barry Carroll comes to mind - very similar. Tall guy who was dominant inside on offense and defense, but was sometimes lazy.

 

[B-Westy]

And he has also disappeared/not engaged this year. That is exactly the problem with AJ, he doesn't bring his A game every night.

I'm glad he is on our team, but I shouldn't have to turn to my Son before every game and say "I hope AJ brings it tonight". What other great PU player did you have to worry about that with?

When HASN'T he brought it every night this year? He's scored in double figures in the last 11 games. I don't know why people are still concerned with his effort this year. He goes out there and plays well every night.

 

[Dryfly88]

When HASN'T he brought it every night this year? He's scored in double figures in the last 11 games. I don't know why people are still concerned with his effort this year. He goes out there and plays well every night.

Butler
@Illinois
@Iowa
@Michigan

Look, I respect your right to your opinion, but if you really think AJ has brought the same intensity and energy to every game this year, you haven't been paying attention. Hell, CMP had to take him out and jack him up at the beginning of the 2nd half at Nebraska because he was playing soft on defense.

Again, I will say I'm glad he is on our team. I just want to see the best effort every game. I agree with Ibodel, the key to our success in the tourney is how well AJ plays and with what effort does he bring.

 

[nagemj02]

Butler
@Illinois
@Iowa
@Michigan

Look, I respect your right to your opinion, but if you really think AJ has brought the same intensity and energy to every game this year, you haven't been paying attention. Hell, CMP had to take him out and jack him up at the beginning of the 2nd half at Nebraska because he was playing soft on defense.

Again, I will say I'm glad he is on our team. I just want to see the best effort every game. I agree with Ibodel, the key to our success in the tourney is how well AJ plays and with what effort does he bring.

Good points, but I honestly believe that he was just trying to avoid getting his 3rd foul early in the 2nd half, hence those half-hearted D efforts at the rim on those possessions.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Good points, but I honestly believe that he was just trying to avoid getting his 3rd foul early in the 2nd half, hence those half-hearted D efforts at the rim on those possessions.

I think this is a good "bridge" thought. Seems like game conditions or foul situations is what causes the issues seen on the court rather than AJH "just not bringing it" "being ready to play" or "disappearing" as some have suggested. JMO. Now, is that a "mental" issue......yes......can it be improved upon? many would think so. And maybe that's what AJH still needs to understand better......perhaps it's just semantics.....

Many have posted this quite often......it's a physical game with physical skills, but just like in every sport, there is a huge "mental" component as well. I think AJH has come a long way in dealing with how to play the way CMP wants and avoiding the "valleys" more so than not. Is there still another gear? perhaps so......perhaps we will see it before the season is over. However you want to phrase it (although I don't agree with it being "lazy"), it's a key component to Purdue's success......no question to me.

Even though IH has been a more than capable back-up.....and if AJH does get in foul trouble.....there are still good options for the Boilers.......hoping we don't see too many of those early fouls on AJH.....especially the ones that could be rather easily avoided.

We shall see......should be an interesting "roller coaster" ride the rest of the way.

 

[Chuchumutha]

I don't think we have a better chance to win the NCAA than the B10.

14 teams compared to 68. And the 68 have been filtered for success.

I do agree that we'll be a tough out. However, I think a team with our size is better suited for a long, drawn out season than a series of elimination games. In the latter case, streaky shooters would seem to hold the advantage.[/QUO

I believe Shonn said that we have a better chance to

Good points, but I honestly believe that he was just trying to avoid getting his 3rd foul early in the 2nd half, hence those half-hearted D efforts at the rim on those possessions.

I agree that he was concerned a bout picking up his third foul early in the 2nd half. The irony is that he knew he would sit if he fouled so he played passively and what was the result? He sat. I hope Painter reminded him that we happen to have likely the best back up center in the country and that should give him the freedom to play balls out at all times. Aside: AJ, Painter will manage the foul situation, you just give me everything you've got.

 

[rgarlitz]

A minor clarification, but one that I think is important:

Shon Morris didn't actually say Purdue has a better chance to win the NCAA tournament than it had to win the Big Ten championship. Rather, he said that this Purdue team will have advantages in the NCAA tournament that it doesn't necessarily enjoy in an 18-game conference schedule.

His point was that Purdue will be a very difficult team to prepare for on a short turnaround (Sat/Sun games of the NCAA tournament), especially for coaches who aren't familiar with us. He contrasted that with conference play where everybody knows everybody, and teams have several days to prepare for most games.

I think it's a valid point, but it's also one that several posters have raised on this forum before.

 

[Dryfly88]

I think this is a good "bridge" thought. Seems like game conditions or foul situations is what causes the issues seen on the court rather than AJH "just not bringing it" "being ready to play" or "disappearing" as some have suggested. JMO. Now, is that a "mental" issue......yes......can it be improved upon? many would think so. And maybe that's what AJH still needs to understand better......perhaps it's just semantics.....

Many have posted this quite often......it's a physical game with physical skills, but just like in every sport, there is a huge "mental" component as well. I think AJH has come a long way in dealing with how to play the way CMP wants and avoiding the "valleys" more so than not. Is there still another gear? perhaps so......perhaps we will see it before the season is over. However you want to phrase it (although I don't agree with it being "lazy"), it's a key component to Purdue's success......no question to me.

Even though IH has been a more than capable back-up.....and if AJH does get in foul trouble.....there are still good options for the Boilers.......hoping we don't see too many of those early fouls on AJH.....especially the ones that could be rather easily avoided.

We shall see......should be an interesting "roller coaster" ride the rest of the way.

I absolutely agree it is a mental issue. There is no question he can play at an elite level and has done so far more this year than any other time in his career. I also agree about the semantics, and I think that is what gets some people upset. If I say he doesn't bring it every night then someone hears "lazy". If I say he needs to play with more energy, someone hears "lazy".

Say it anyway you want. You shouldn't have to wonder each game if your best player is going to give you everything they have that night. That is what I had/have a problem with. I asked earlier what great PU player have you ever had that to worry about? The only answer given so far was Joe Barry. He played 35 years ago. So that seems like a pretty small group. That was my point.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I absolutely agree it is a mental issue. There is no question he can play at an elite level and has done so far more this year than any other time in his career. I also agree about the semantics, and I think that is what gets some people upset. If I say he doesn't bring it every night then someone hears "lazy". If I say he needs to play with more energy, someone hears "lazy".

Say it anyway you want. You shouldn't have to wonder each game if your best player is going to give you everything they have that night. That is what I had/have a problem with. I asked earlier what great PU player have you ever had that to worry about? The only answer given so far was Joe Barry. He played 35 years ago. So that seems like a pretty small group. That was my point.

If you look strictly at results, an argument could be made that Hammons has been the most consistent player on the team this season.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I absolutely agree it is a mental issue. There is no question he can play at an elite level and has done so far more this year than any other time in his career. I also agree about the semantics, and I think that is what gets some people upset. If I say he doesn't bring it every night then someone hears "lazy". If I say he needs to play with more energy, someone hears "lazy".

Say it anyway you want. You shouldn't have to wonder each game if your best player is going to give you everything they have that night. That is what I had/have a problem with. I asked earlier what great PU player have you ever had that to worry about? The only answer given so far was Joe Barry. He played 35 years ago. So that seems like a pretty small group. That was my point.

I hear you Dry.....it's probably more likely to happen with front court players because of foul trouble or they way other teams might limit them or focus defense/offense. IIRC, Russell Cross had some up and down games/moments.....he was a very talented player but mostly had an inside game. Left early and like with JBC, Golden State took him in the first round.

Unfortunately for AJH, I think the learning curve was slower his first two years when combined with all of the other team issues.....he's really made strides IMO these last two years......to the point where he's got a good shot to get drafted in the first round and possibly play for a contending NBA squad......where he might be able to make a solid impact at both ends of the floor off the bench. That's all speculative, however.

Hopefully for the Boilers, the progress he's made will still pay off this year.

We'll see....

 

[njm8845]

Shon Morris didn't actually say Purdue has a better chance to win the NCAA tournament than it had to win the Big Ten championship. Rather, he said that this Purdue team will have advantages in the NCAA tournament that it doesn't necessarily enjoy in an 18-game conference schedule.

His point was that Purdue will be a very difficult team to prepare for on a short turnaround (Sat/Sun games of the NCAA tournament), especially for coaches who aren't familiar with us. He contrasted that with conference play where everybody knows everybody, and teams have several days to prepare for most games.

Yeah, I was tic, assuming that he didn't honestly think that we had a better chance of winning the tournament than the b10.

However, my second point still stands. I don't understand the logic that size is harder to prepare for than great quickness, great shooting, an odd zone defense, or the press.

I would think that a deep bench and size, compared to the streaky tendencies of shooting, is the better way to build a team for the regular season.