I have watched Burgess on film and I think he could battle for minutes at the 4/5. He is a great compliment to TKR on the block because he can shoot from outside.
I also think Cox and Harris have size/strength combo to be competitors for minutes this year.
Hopefully, the summer workouts and trip (haven't heard where we are going) gives Painter enough of an idea on best lineup combos to make this team work.
Said it many times, this could be one of the fastest tempo teams we have had under Painter. There are some scouts who talked about Braden playing to Edey's strength the past 2 years and year 3, is the Braden show from when he played in high school. He is going to get out and run and doesn't have to worry about Edey getting to the block.
I would hasten to wager it will be Painter's fastest tempo team he's had so far. You can also add me to the list - neither Catchings nor Harris will redshirt.
Definitely a change on both ends of the floor - no rim protector and the luxury of surety bond rebounder from Zach Edey, which will definitely be a drawback, but I think there may be a pleasant surprise with how Purdue eventually will defend more straight up on the wing. It may take a while, and the team will take some learning lumps....but there will be some strides - might actually see more forced turnovers when the team gets going.
Also won't have the luxury of so much defense focused in the paint to create great opportunities from distance - however, I think you may see some transition opportunities there. Heide, Colvin, Catchings, and Harris could all benefit from Braden Smith pushing the pace, IMO. And Fletch Loyer could do some damage as a trailer on the wing. TKR, Furst and company in the paint will be interesting as will how the Boilers manage the glass without former 2x POY Zach Edey.
Reading between the lines with Painter (not always easy), he's not so stubborn....haha. I don't think even he expected that kind of dominance from ZE.....but silly/stupid not to try and maximize it.
We shall see. Looking forward to another new chapter/season and roller coaster ride.....cardiac treatments and supplies are already in the works just in case.
Last edited: