10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 4 points. Did have 4 turnovers but the rebounding is huge for this team. I’m liking this guy more and more.
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That block was awesome. Just snatched backhanded.10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 4 points. Did have 4 turnovers but the rebounding is huge for this team. I’m liking this guy more and more.
Always somethingDid some good things today but the out of control turn overs on the offensive end shows that if he doesn't calm down and learn to play under control, we could be in trouble if we have to count on him for extended minutes in a tight game.
Thankfully we have a steady PJ who's still steady and solid when sick.
Always something
I liked his aggressiveness today and it was nice to see him get extended minutes and get in a groove. 10 rebounds?!...nuff said!Did some good things today but the out of control turn overs on the offensive end shows that if he doesn't calm down and learn to play under control, we could be in trouble if we have to count on him for extended minutes in a tight game.
Thankfully we have a steady PJ who's still steady and solid when sick.
Can you not see him maturing right in front of us? I saw him take a peak or two at driving the lane, he chose not to. It’s not going to be long before he goes. Once he figures out when and where his spots are and has the conference to go he is going to add a whole different dimension to his game. It’s coming, I can see it. He is no different that 90% of the true freshman I have seen play. He is scared to make a mistake. Once that wears off he is on his way.Did some good things today but the out of control turn overs on the offensive end shows that if he doesn't calm down and learn to play under control, we could be in trouble if we have to count on him for extended minutes in a tight game.
Thankfully we have a steady PJ who's still steady and solid when sick.
Absolutely true but many of the people who post on this board did not attend Purdue and frankly, have nothing to do with Purdue. Your son with his abilities is developing well and quickly. I for one, appreciate him!!!!Always something
She never said that.Last I read, which was a long time ago, was he was going to transfer, per his mum. Is this still allegedly the case?
Always something
There will always be critics. If I were you, I'd take it with a grain of salt or ignore it. I know it can't be easy seeing criticism on your son. But it's going to happen here.
Always something
Looks like NE has taken most of the rebounds that used to go to Biggie. At least in this game he did. Please tell us how much fun he had today.
I’m good I get it some on here can do better than him on the court so wanna critique his game and complain about his play bcuz he not PERFECT. My son text me right after the game and ask me (mom how did I do) I replied baby boy you played very well in replace of PJ I’m so proud of you but take better care of the ball he then replied back I will thank Mom.There will always be critics. If I were you, I'd take it with a grain of salt or ignore it. I know it can't be easy seeing criticism on your son. But it's going to happen here.
I thought he played well. He has been a monster on the boards and defends incredibly well. He absolutely bothers smaller guards. He has made a case for more playing time and when Cline was struggling, I was glad he got a chance. Nojel has very consistently improved throughout the year and will be a major piece of this team makes a deep run.
Before the year I thought Purdue greatly needed an elite rim defender. Haarms has done an incredible job as a freshman.
I also though Purdue needed some help at the guard position to guard elite speedy guards they may face come tournament time. Nojel has been a lockdown defender and that is downright impressive as a freshman. Look at how well Painter improves his guys on defense and Nojel is starting this level. I firmly believe as he will have a shot at defensive player of the year if he stays four years.
Purdue was in dire need of rebounding. Nojel has grabbed crucial boards through defenders and has looked like the best most instinctive rebounder on the team. Loved his two put backs against Michigan and he was great again on the boards.
This team is finding a way to answer the biggest questions. I love the chances to make some noise in the tournament and it will be done in big part by the freshmen. Love that they keep improving!
Yes. It’s usually the same guys also. Forget them. Nojel is getting better every time we see him and is darn fun to watch.Always something
Agreed. If you watch his defense, he can dominate his opponent.I thought he played well. He has been a monster on the boards and defends incredibly well. He absolutely bothers smaller guards. He has made a case for more playing time and when Cline was struggling, I was glad he got a chance. Nojel has very consistently improved throughout the year and will be a major piece of this team makes a deep run.
Before the year I thought Purdue greatly needed an elite rim defender. Haarms has done an incredible job as a freshman.
I also though Purdue needed some help at the guard position to guard elite speedy guards they may face come tournament time. Nojel has been a lockdown defender and that is downright impressive as a freshman. Look at how well Painter improves his guys on defense and Nojel is starting this level. I firmly believe as he will have a shot at defensive player of the year if he stays four years.
Purdue was in dire need of rebounding. Nojel has grabbed crucial boards through defenders and has looked like the best most instinctive rebounder on the team. Loved his two put backs against Michigan and he was great again on the boards.
This team is finding a way to answer the biggest questions. I love the chances to make some noise in the tournament and it will be done in big part by the freshmen. Love that they keep improving!
You said it best.Can you not see him maturing right in front of us? I saw him take a peak or two at driving the lane, he chose not to. It’s not going to be long before he goes. Once he figures out when and where his spots are and has the conference to go he is going to add a whole different dimension to his game. It’s coming, I can see it. He is no different that 90% of the true freshman I have seen play. He is scared to make a mistake. Once that wears off he is on his way.
I agree about the "instinctive rebound." I focused on him for a few minutes and he has an innate image of where the ball is going to go and he goes HARD to that spot. I have rarely seen a player at any level go HARD to where he just knows the ball is going.... Nojel has grabbed crucial boards through defenders and has looked like the best most instinctive rebounder on the team. Loved his two put backs against Michigan and he was great again on the boards.
This team is finding a way to answer the biggest questions. I love the chances to make some noise in the tournament and it will be done in big part by the freshmen. Love that they keep improving!
Glad to see him having fun with his teammates at McCutcheon tonight. He is really coming into it, and it’s very exciting to see.Always somethingDid some good things today but the out of control turn overs on the offensive end shows that if he doesn't calm down and learn to play under control, we could be in trouble if we have to count on him for extended minutes in a tight game.
Thankfully we have a steady PJ who's still steady and solid when sick.
He’s always been that way since 10 years old when he grabbed 32 rebounds made 25 FTs and scored 43 points at div 2 AAU National and single handily beat that team so instincts he has he’s now gaining confidence and learning from the seniors who is encouraging him to just play your game so now he’s just putting it all together now with his opportunities he gets. Rivals has a video out don’t no how to put on this board but he was interviewed about what has changed since November my son explains in video. Bottom line he’s coming into his own finding his way with the seniors and rest of the team supporting him and that will help him a long way. Just proud of him how he has stayed focused and never quit or gave up bcuz his teammates believe in him and that is what fueling him to get better each day.I agree about the "instinctive rebound." I focused on him for a few minutes and he has an innate image of where the ball is going to go and he goes HARD to that spot. I have rarely seen a player at any level go HARD to where he just knows the ball is going.
Always something
There are coachable things and there are uncoachable things ... that intuitive "Know where the ball is going" PLUS (and this is the big plus) "The quick translation from mental to physical motion" that propels his body to the right place at the right time ... it just "is." Uncoachable ...He’s always been that way since 10 years old when he grabbed 32 rebounds made 25 FTs and scored 43 points at div 2 AAU National and single handily beat that team so instincts he has he’s now gaining confidence and learning from the seniors who is encouraging him to just play your game so now he’s just putting it all together now with his opportunities he gets. Rivals has a video out don’t no how to put on this board but he was interviewed about what has changed since November my son explains in video. Bottom line he’s coming into his own finding his way with the seniors and rest of the team supporting him and that will help him a long way. Just proud of him how he has stayed focused and never quit or gave up bcuz his teammates believe in him and that is what fueling him to get better each day.
I suspect there's also a bit of jealousy in the posts of some of those critics. You have a son on the team and they don't.Always something
Your guess is good as mine. I no who he is as a player and what he can do as a player when he is given a chance to play. It’s starting to click for him now and maybe some thought he isn’t what some thought he was when he came to purdue bcuz of a few games into the season he had a rocky start when in fact he is everything I no he is as player and he’s now with the help of his teammates showing what he is capable of doing. The amount of work he puts in on his game to get better is now showing on the court with his opportunities what he can do. Hes maximizing his opportunities when he’s been given to him and he’s doing everything he can to help this team win.It’s intresting how many threads are started about NE. No offense Mrs. Treed, but he is a freedman. What is it that makes so many want to post about this kids play? Serious question.
I can’t recall a single thread started about DM and what he means to the team.
It’s intresting how many threads are started about NE. No offense Mrs. Treed, but he is a freedman. What is it that makes so many want to post about this kids play? Serious question.
I can’t recall a single thread started about DM and what he means to the team.
I believe the difference is that he's just a Freshman, but with all this upside.
In my opinion, nobody could really see Dakota becoming the player he is today, when he was just an incoming Freshman. He always seemed a step slow; he has admitted his defense was not a strong point of his game, etc. (We knew he'd be good), but nobody foresaw his emergence as the team's defensive leader, and being mentioned with the B1G elite in that regard.
I think back to Ray Day's Freshman year, and he had momentary flashes of greatness; times where you could kinda almost see him becoming just a powerhouse all around player. There were points during his Sophomore season that I thought: "Man, he's ready to just break-out; to become that elite, all around stud and just carry this team to greatness..."
Rapheal became a really good player for Purdue, but (IMHO), he never quite tapped all that he could have been offensively, or what he showed flashes of being capable of doing during his Freshman and Sophomore years.
I LOVED Ray, and he is still one of my all time favorite Boilers....
But i see something in Nojel that makes me say "when it happens..." not "if it ever happens...".
Nojel is different, as we can clearly see his potential. You can almost see the light coming on for him, and it's exciting to watch. It creates interest, and a buzz in all of us; both casual fans, and those true die-hard fans alike.
Finally, when you see a player with the complete package: quickness, size, vision, IQ and natural instincts/abilities, all rolled up together in one package like that; you just know he's gonna be a special player.
I for one, want to soak up every minute of his maturation process, and enjoy the ride as he comes into his own. It's a rare treat to get this kind of opportunity as a fan to watch it all unfold.
To me, that is the difference; it's why all the focus and attention seems to surround this fine young man, and his progress with the team. We're all just anxiously waiting for his coming out party, and everyone want to be able to say we were there watching when it happened.
Just my 2¢...
Okay but CE had many similar moments last year while learning the system, players and expectations. I've said this before that the best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores.Did some good things today but the out of control turn overs on the offensive end shows that if he doesn't calm down and learn to play under control, we could be in trouble if we have to count on him for extended minutes in a tight game.
Thankfully we have a steady PJ who's still steady and solid when sick.