Contenders...
- Thread starter *4purdue*
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I saw that. Interestingly, they concede that Purdue is probably as complete a team as exists in college basketball.
I don't know if our lack of bench scoring is a "problem" per se, as it seems to be more based on the fact that our starters are able to handle most of the available minutes. Our bench are essentially role players, but there's no reason to assume they couldn't step up if/when necessary. Especially Haarms and Cline.
I don't know if our lack of bench scoring is a "problem" per se, as it seems to be more based on the fact that our starters are able to handle most of the available minutes. Our bench are essentially role players, but there's no reason to assume they couldn't step up if/when necessary. Especially Haarms and Cline.
I think Cline is there already. If he needed to shoot more he would and his numbers would probably up considerably. There is no doubt in my mind that if Purdue needed 15 out of Cline he could deliver.
Agree... Cline could probably start on any other B1G team, including MSU who is lacking an outside threat.
It would be an issue but Tommy Luce is available to fill the void!
Not having a deep bench only hurts us in two situations:
1) Foul-fest games. If both Haas and Haarms pick up 2-3 quick fouls in the first half, things could get ugly quickly. With officiating at road games in the Big Ten being what it is, I'm expecting a few games where this will be tested.
2) Back-to-back-to-back games. The deeper bench you have, the better you can spread out the minutes to starters and keep legs fresh. The BTT would be the obvious case where this might pop up.
1) Foul-fest games. If both Haas and Haarms pick up 2-3 quick fouls in the first half, things could get ugly quickly. With officiating at road games in the Big Ten being what it is, I'm expecting a few games where this will be tested.
2) Back-to-back-to-back games. The deeper bench you have, the better you can spread out the minutes to starters and keep legs fresh. The BTT would be the obvious case where this might pop up.
If I were really honest with myself, the two biggest concerns I have about Purdue's ability to make a deep March run are:
1) Is there enough high-end athleticism? This Purdue team is similar to many others in past 30-odd years in that it's stocked with really good players who bring it night-in and night-out. And that should make for yet another exciting B1G run. But, so often the NCAA tournament belongs to the teams with the best athletes. The Edwards boys can play with anybody. Haas is really hard to guard; Mathias is scrappy; Haarms can protect the rim. Is that enough? I don't know. We'll see.
2) A so-so history in the NCAA Tournament. I don't know if it's psychological, bad-luck draws, untimely injuries, or whatever. But, Purdue always seems to run into March roadblocks.
1) Is there enough high-end athleticism? This Purdue team is similar to many others in past 30-odd years in that it's stocked with really good players who bring it night-in and night-out. And that should make for yet another exciting B1G run. But, so often the NCAA tournament belongs to the teams with the best athletes. The Edwards boys can play with anybody. Haas is really hard to guard; Mathias is scrappy; Haarms can protect the rim. Is that enough? I don't know. We'll see.
2) A so-so history in the NCAA Tournament. I don't know if it's psychological, bad-luck draws, untimely injuries, or whatever. But, Purdue always seems to run into March roadblocks.
Regarding #2, perhaps it won't be a bad thing for us to get through the BTT a week early this year and have a week off to get ready for the NCAAT. It's a fine line between rest and rust I'm sure but I think it should help us if we are fortunate enough to have a long BTT run in New York.
Agree with both points. Hopefully, we avoid that uber athletic team in the tourney.
I think that, in general, we're a really well coached team that performs near our ceiling throughout the regular season ... moreso than most teams. In the tourney, everyone is playing to their peak effort and performance and our 'step change' isn't as significant compared to most teams. It would be unwise for me to say that there isn't at least a small psychological element to some of our lapses in the tourney, but I think in general, it's more the former.
What makes this year's team more exciting than some past teams is just how dynamic and balanced our scoring is. So, we can beat a team in different ways. In the past, we weren't as multi-faceted and if you stopped our option 1 or 2, you'd win.
Quite a few posters on here didn't think it was going to be problem, but to me on off shooting nights and we can't rebound, we will not go very far in the tournament.
I'm pretty sure we will not shoots lights out in the entire tournament so we must have a couple guys step up in rebounding. I'm optimistic...
I feel totally different about this team verses other in the past. I don't see this TEAM going totally cold on any given day. I recall getting beat in St. Louis playing Stanford. The team shot way below their average (and If I recall it was bad 30%?) and we were still in the game late. I think Chad went cool and we could not work the ball to Miller because the refs were letting the trees get away with murder.
I am hoping like hell that our current approach of five guys getting up shots takes the pressure off of any one individual. For that reason I don't see this Purdue team having a -15 - 20% below average shooting game, therefore, we should be right there with anyone. At least that what I see. things could change but I think we have the fire power to play with anyone this year.
I am hoping like hell that our current approach of five guys getting up shots takes the pressure off of any one individual. For that reason I don't see this Purdue team having a -15 - 20% below average shooting game, therefore, we should be right there with anyone. At least that what I see. things could change but I think we have the fire power to play with anyone this year.
Disagree here. Eastern is playing his role magnificently. So I believe he is more than living up to his hype.
"magnificently" is probably an overstatement. Adequately is probably a better description.
I can agree with this. However, keep shooting like we are capable of and it becomes a non-issue.
Seconded. Eastern is doing exactly what he needs to and is getting better and better each game.
Cline has been shooting the lights out lately. I also would have no problem with JT getting more minutes
I believe tonight’s game by Nojel entirely “lived up to his hype”, what you might think that is or was?..
Jeeeeze, what a dipstick.
Kid has special talent written all over him.
Since NW game (Dec 3), Cline has been shooting 18/29 from 3 land.
That is 62%. Playing good D. Only 5 turnovers in 7 games. Tonight - 6 rebs (nothing that wows you from the eye test, but great box out fundamentals against more athletic players).
The overall numbers don't jump out at you, but that is excellent play from him off the bench. When he gets more minutes next year after Dakota graduates, he will produce well for us.
That is 62%. Playing good D. Only 5 turnovers in 7 games. Tonight - 6 rebs (nothing that wows you from the eye test, but great box out fundamentals against more athletic players).
The overall numbers don't jump out at you, but that is excellent play from him off the bench. When he gets more minutes next year after Dakota graduates, he will produce well for us.
So you think our bench is lacking. How about Cline's game tonight. Hit his 3's and got 6 rebounds. Eastern had a tough first half but settled down in the second with 2 of 2 from the line and 6 total points. Then Haarms came in and block a bunch of shots and made a few field goals and free throws for a solid game. And I saw that with cataract surgery next Monday, meaning my eyes aren't that good. But, I saw a better game than you did. Com-on dude. Let's go. Let's be more positive. Gee's. Outrebounded them by 20 and they are one of the best rebounding teams in NCAA.
A good defensive team like a Rutgers is, but can shoot worries me. We had a lot of turnovers tonight.
Nojel is a great example of why a player needs to be who he is rather than the player fans want him to be. His skill set and size are very unique. Next year, with a season under his belt and an expanded role, I could easily see him averaging 8-10 PPG, 5 boards, and 4 assists. Couple those numbers with savage on-ball defense, and man, that's a truly valuable player, particularly when you remember he'll only be a sophomore.
Please don't feed the troll. Purdue fans know that until recently, Cline was injured.
How many teams are lucky enough to have w 7ft 3in playing the 4? This team has more potential than most Ive seen since I started watching Purdue with Russell Cross.
Didn't see the game, too busy. Besides if you noticed It Was made before the game. Jeeeze, what a dipstick.
"Didn't see the game." But not too busy to make your negative comment out of ignorance. Seems like a recurring theme.
I think he is coming around and can be a huge plus this season - mostly his psyche now - he is relaxing and the more he does, the more his special abilities will be enabled
After the game tonight:
"I think all of their lineups cause problems," Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said.
I think rebounding is an area eastern can really help right now. His size and bball iq makes him a great rebounding guard.
He shows flashes of great passing and finishing skills but he's already good enough to get boards and that's good enough with this team.
I think tonight was one of his more solid performances. The kid has great upside and I am happy to have him as a Boilermaker
I am seeing more and more Haarms subbing for Vince while Haas is in. I like it. It will be important against Michigan State.
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