ESPN article
- Thread starter *4purdue*
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Nice read.
"In a foggy scene, however, Purdue is one of the previously unsung teams that has emerged."
"In a foggy scene, however, Purdue is one of the previously unsung teams that has emerged."
I don't necessarily agree with all of the premises, but there are some interesting quotes from CMP about the team, which you might find interesting.
Below is the Purdue excerpt:
In a foggy scene, however, Purdue is one of the previously unsung teams that has emerged. It's a group that's led by one of the nation's most appealing frontcourt trios: Isaac Haas, A.J. Hammons and Caleb Swanigan.
"I think we have the best center in basketball," Matt Painter told ESPN.com, "with the combination of [Haas and Hammons]."
Rapheal Davis, the reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year who has missed the team's past three games with a knee injury, will return this week to a crew that entered Sunday ranked second in KenPom.com's adjusted defensive efficiency ratings. Both Hammons and Davis will graduate after this season.
"There's no question," Painter said, "we have a very good nucleus."
He said he BENCHED (emphasis added by poster, PGIT) Hammons early in the season because he wanted to send a message to the oft-troubled big man that the Boilermakers would go forward without him, if necessary. Too much at stake. A chance to be "special." It worked. Hammons' effort -- 12.8 points, 8.2 rebounds a night -- has been a key factor in Purdue's 8-0 start. The team picked a good year to surge.
But the Boilermakers must keep the mojo going. It's not easy to assemble the group that Painter guides this season, one that offers Purdue an opportunity to complete its best season since the 2009-10 squad reached the Sweet 16.
Below is the Purdue excerpt:
In a foggy scene, however, Purdue is one of the previously unsung teams that has emerged. It's a group that's led by one of the nation's most appealing frontcourt trios: Isaac Haas, A.J. Hammons and Caleb Swanigan.
"I think we have the best center in basketball," Matt Painter told ESPN.com, "with the combination of [Haas and Hammons]."
Rapheal Davis, the reigning Big Ten defensive player of the year who has missed the team's past three games with a knee injury, will return this week to a crew that entered Sunday ranked second in KenPom.com's adjusted defensive efficiency ratings. Both Hammons and Davis will graduate after this season.
"There's no question," Painter said, "we have a very good nucleus."
He said he BENCHED (emphasis added by poster, PGIT) Hammons early in the season because he wanted to send a message to the oft-troubled big man that the Boilermakers would go forward without him, if necessary. Too much at stake. A chance to be "special." It worked. Hammons' effort -- 12.8 points, 8.2 rebounds a night -- has been a key factor in Purdue's 8-0 start. The team picked a good year to surge.
But the Boilermakers must keep the mojo going. It's not easy to assemble the group that Painter guides this season, one that offers Purdue an opportunity to complete its best season since the 2009-10 squad reached the Sweet 16.
I agree that you have to take advantage of opportunities. Purdue has a very loaded team and its not always going to be like this. They need to take advantage and win now. I don't think it all goes down hill after this season though. I think we could be good next season too. It just depends if Biggie comes back and how the team jells next season.
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