Hunter

[pubill]

Surprised there is not more discussion on the board, how Eric came thru in crunch today and was one of the main reasons we came out of Illini with a W. Most on the board have been calling for him to be benched and saying we could not win big with him, he kinda proved you wrong today.

He shot a 3 with confidence and made it, executed 2 cuts to basket for easy buckets, only time he got ball against full court press he took it up quick and got us in our offense. And lastly and most important, he hit 4 FTs in the clutch to put game away.

Made me a believer he can be a point on a big time team.

 

[POTFHBTFU]

Surprised there is not more discussion on the board, how Eric came thru in crunch today and was one of the main reasons we came out of Illini with a W. Most on the board have been calling for him to be benched and saying we could not win big with him, he kinda proved you wrong today.

He shot a 3 with confidence and made it, executed 2 cuts to basket for easy buckets, only time he got ball against full court press he took it up quick and got us in our offense. And lastly and most important, he hit 4 FTs in the clutch to put game away.

Made me a believer he can be a point on a big time team.

There’s an additional thread and a lot of the game discussion is baked into the game day thread. Not very many players have their own thread after this game. Honestly the free board just does not have much participation.

 

[BoilerDeac]

Surprised there is not more discussion on the board, how Eric came thru in crunch today and was one of the main reasons we came out of Illini with a W. Most on the board have been calling for him to be benched and saying we could not win big with him, he kinda proved you wrong today.

He shot a 3 with confidence and made it, executed 2 cuts to basket for easy buckets, only time he got ball against full court press he took it up quick and got us in our offense. And lastly and most important, he hit 4 FTs in the clutch to put game away.

Made me a believer he can be a point on a big time team.

Hunter was awesome today. If he can hit threes at a reasonable clip, with confidence, he deserves minutes.

He also pushed the ball up the floor more than he has, which was great to see.

Still have reservations about him being able to shoot at a decent clip from 3, but I’ve been hard on him, and he deserves a lot of credit today.

 

[dumpsterFyre]

I was one of those nay sayers wanting to hand him his diploma and send him on his way. Happily proven wrong tonight. He showed a lot of poise out there. His defense was stellar and the look-off three was money.

Hope he can give this level of defense every night and continue to make good decisions with the basketball.

 

[choptalk]

I was one of those nay sayers wanting to hand him his diploma and send him on his way. Happily proven wrong tonight. He showed a lot of poise out there. His defense was stellar and the look-off three was money.

Hope he can give this level of defense every night and continue to make good decisions with the basketball.

Do it Thursday.

 

[Schnelk]

Do it Thursday.

Definitely Thursday. Last chance to butthurt the Asshallers Eric.

 

[POTFHBTFU]

Hunter looked great, I don’t remember any brain farts like in the past. IT seems to be struggling against better opponents so hunters resurgence is timely. I wouldn’t mind seeing Hunter with the start and out on Parker Stewart on defense Thursday. He’s 6-5 and I think we need someone good at closing out 3s on him as he is the only decent threat. Of course we always have random SFs have strong games hitting 3s vs us so maybe need a good taller defender on Kopp too, maybe Sasha. And I’d like to see Ivey on Xavier, he’ll have 3 fast break dunks off him. I’d start out with Gillis playing TJD hard, I think Furst will play him better but Gillis can go out there and beat him up. And maybe roll Morton in when TJD sits.

 

[bonefish1]

Hunter looked great, I don’t remember any brain farts like in the past. IT seems to be struggling against better opponents so hunters resurgence is timely. I wouldn’t mind seeing Hunter with the start and out on Parker Stewart on defense Thursday. He’s 6-5 and I think we need someone good at closing out 3s on him as he is the only decent threat. Of course we always have random SFs have strong games hitting 3s vs us so maybe need a good taller defender on Kopp too, maybe Sasha. And I’d like to see Ivey on Xavier, he’ll have 3 fast break dunks off him. I’d start out with Gillis playing TJD hard, I think Furst will play him better but Gillis can go out there and beat him up. And maybe roll Morton in when TJD sits.

With Tre on the floor, Hunter knows to look for cutting opportunities because Tre will find him and Hunter can finish. IT never rarely cuts into the lane because he can’t finish at the rim if contested.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

IT never rarely cuts into the lane because he can’t finish at the rim if contested.

Never rarely? Go get a cup of coffee please.

In all seriousness, I agree that Hunter looks more to cut than IT does which frees up the offense and creates more opportunities. Hopefully with Hunter's resurgence that will take some pressure off of IT so he can get himself right. Like IT or not, his ability to knock down 3s will be critical for us to make a deep run.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Never rarely? Go get a cup of coffee please.

In all seriousness, I agree that Hunter looks more to cut than IT does which frees up the offense and creates more opportunities. Hopefully with Hunter's resurgence that will take some pressure off of IT so he can get himself right. Like IT or not, his ability to knock down 3s will be critical for us to make a deep run.

Extra caffeine, Beef? Oh yeah.....I like this idea......

 

[bonefish1]

Never rarely? Go get a cup of coffee please.

In all seriousness, I agree that Hunter looks more to cut than IT does which frees up the offense and creates more opportunities. Hopefully with Hunter's resurgence that will take some pressure off of IT so he can get himself right. Like IT or not, his ability to knock down 3s will be critical for us to make a deep run.

But, we've got other guys who can hit wide open 3s but also provide more on both ends of the floor. IT is like, 2 for his last 17 from 3. If he's not hitting those wide open looks, then he's not contributing on the offensive end. I'd rather have Newman or Morton getting those minutes. I think Newman is 3 for his last 5, plays good D, rebounds, etc.

 

[TX4GB]

Hunter did expose Plummer’s defense. Good coaching and execution there targeting a weak link. How can that be? Plummer is from the magical portal 😉.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Never rarely? Go get a cup of coffee please.

In all seriousness, I agree that Hunter looks more to cut than IT does which frees up the offense and creates more opportunities. Hopefully with Hunter's resurgence that will take some pressure off of IT so he can get himself right. Like IT or not, his ability to knock down 3s will be critical for us to make a deep run.

I agree that IT remains a very important part of this team going forward, but I do think that Bonefish is getting at something. I think that Hunter’s game may compliment Tre’s better and IT’s game may compliment Edey’s better.

 

[delish1]

Surprised there is not more discussion on the board, how Eric came thru in crunch today and was one of the main reasons we came out of Illini with a W. Most on the board have been calling for him to be benched and saying we could not win big with him, he kinda proved you wrong today.

He shot a 3 with confidence and made it, executed 2 cuts to basket for easy buckets, only time he got ball against full court press he took it up quick and got us in our offense. And lastly and most important, he hit 4 FTs in the clutch to put game away.

Made me a believer he can be a point on a big time team.

I thought it was awesome when Hunter was aggressively bringing the ball up. I dont recall him ever doing that. The confidence and aggressiveness seemed to translate into one of his best games of the season. Even his shot looked confident.
He did seem to get more timid as the game progressed but maybe the Illinois game will be a turning point for him when he sees the tape and how much he added to the team when aggressive.
Newman was better too but now I'm doubting he will get passed his wild card status at least this season. He can still be a piece but Hunter seems like the best bet to grab the 1 spot and elevate the boilers when it matters.

 

[bonefish1]

I thought it was awesome when Hunter was aggressively bringing the ball up. I dont recall him ever doing that. The confidence and aggressiveness seemed to translate into one of his best games of the season. Even his shot looked confident.
He did seem to get more timid as the game progressed but maybe the Illinois game will be a turning point for him when he sees the tape and how much he added to the team when aggressive.
Newman was better too but now I'm doubting he will get passed his wild card status at least this season. He can still be a piece but Hunter seems like the best bet to grab the 1 spot and elevate the boilers when it matters.

Bardo was making some interesting comments about Hunter, essentially I think he was questioning his effort and whether as a Sr, he'd checked out.

 

[delish1]

Bardo was making some interesting comments about Hunter, essentially I think he was questioning his effort and whether as a Sr, he'd checked out.

Bardo is fine but he was all over the place and has no clue about Hunters mindset.

My favorite bardo moment was during cockburns FTs late in the first half when bardo said he needed to fix his body language and then one FT later was praising his maturity and growth.
It was comically paradoxical.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Bardo was making some interesting comments about Hunter, essentially I think he was questioning his effort and whether as a Sr, he'd checked out.

I didn't interpret it that way Lenny, but perhaps that was a subtlety I missed from Bardo. I recall him saying it was difficult to deal with when you've been starting for two years and suddenly you're in a different role....and as a senior.....that's difficult and requires trust/buy-in......somewhat similar with the platooning of Trevion Williams (at least as to needing buy-in/trust from the player).

To your point, I think it's led to frustration and struggles from Eric Hunter, Jr. - but I don't think it's necessarily lack of effort or that he's checked out mentally. Now, he's had his opportunities to produce.....perhaps he's figuring out what he needs to do and has more confidence.....we shall see. The last two games have been exactly what the Boilers need from him, and perhaps it's a springboard for him. The defense was solid as well, which had been missing previously, IMO. He played 31 minutes yesterday, and he's averaging about 20 minutes a game, down 10 minutes from the last two seasons.....but that's still a significant chunk (and he needs to be a key contributor), considering TW and ZE are only averaging 23 and 18, respectively. Isaiah Thompson is averaging just under 20 a game.

For reference, Jaden Ivey leads the team in minutes with just over 29 a game, and Sasha Stefanovic is at 28.5 per game.

I'll be really interested with what happens come TH.....just don't know for sure in a lot of ways with this team......some encouraging signs recently, and if that starts being consistent across games/opponents/road venues - then this team will be much more difficult to defeat.

JMHO

 

[DAG10]

Surprised there is not more discussion on the board, how Eric came thru in crunch today and was one of the main reasons we came out of Illini with a W. Most on the board have been calling for him to be benched and saying we could not win big with him, he kinda proved you wrong today.

He shot a 3 with confidence and made it, executed 2 cuts to basket for easy buckets, only time he got ball against full court press he took it up quick and got us in our offense. And lastly and most important, he hit 4 FTs in the clutch to put game away.

Made me a believer he can be a point on a big time team.

So essentially, he finally did the things that he should...which, was not only great, but, was incredibly impactful in the ultimate outcome as well.

I don't recall any direct thread lamenting the fact that he had not done that...there were mentions of it in threads certainly, none that were not warranted though seemingly.

But, I think a common theme across them was that for Purdue to be as good as it ultimately can/could be, they would need him to perform...and, I think yesterday was evidence of what it looks like when that happens...and, now if he can maintain that in even some semblance, it bodes extremely well for Purdue.

Isaiah has not been the same since the injury in the Iowa game...that led to more minutes from that point on for Hunter...the last two games are the first times that he has taken advantage of that and really delivered on it...good for him for sure...better for Purdue...like say, especially if he can maintain it in even close to the same manner.

Somebody mentioned in this thread the idea that Hunter generally plays better with Trevion, and, Isaiah maybe more so with Zach...I feel the same...which, creates a potential if indeed a move was made to put Eric in the starting lineup. Perhaps for that reason it won't happen. I do know that Purdue got off to a great start in the last two games and it was helpful for sure...particularly yesterday...and, it stands to be important on Thursday as well.

I really felt like yesterday's game was going to come down to what the Seniors ultimately did...they struggled early collectively and it looked like it would be easy to pin a loss on that...then, all delivered over the course of the game, but, particularly in the extra session(s)...a credit to them, and, something that was desperately needed as well.

Yesterday was without question Hunter's best game, and, it came on the heels of a solid game against Nebraska...happy for him...happy for Purdue...hope that the confidence that he has seemingly gained and with which he displayed yesterday is now the case moving forward, as, it REALLY would benefit Purdue greatly.

 

[HUD628]

Surprised there is not more discussion on the board, how Eric came thru in crunch today and was one of the main reasons we came out of Illini with a W. Most on the board have been calling for him to be benched and saying we could not win big with him, he kinda proved you wrong today.

He shot a 3 with confidence and made it, executed 2 cuts to basket for easy buckets, only time he got ball against full court press he took it up quick and got us in our offense. And lastly and most important, he hit 4 FTs in the clutch to put game away.

Made me a believer he can be a point on a big time team.

It was awesome to see Hunter play well and it could be a very important development for this team. If he seizes the starting role and continues to perform, that's just huge for the teams chances in March. We all like IT and he'll mnake some more big threes for us, but this team can't win it all without Hunter taking over at PG.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

So essentially, he finally did the things that he should...which, was not only great, but, was incredibly impactful in the ultimate outcome as well.

I don't recall any direct thread lamenting the fact that he had not done that...there were mentions of it in threads certainly, none that were not warranted though seemingly.

But, I think a common theme across them was that for Purdue to be as good as it ultimately can/could be, they would need him to perform...and, I think yesterday was evidence of what it looks like when that happens...and, now if he can maintain that in even some semblance, it bodes extremely well for Purdue.

Isaiah has not been the same since the injury in the Iowa game...that led to more minutes from that point on for Hunter...the last two games are the first times that he has taken advantage of that and really delivered on it...good for him for sure...better for Purdue...like say, especially if he can maintain it in even close to the same manner.

Somebody mentioned in this thread the idea that Hunter generally plays better with Trevion, and, Isaiah maybe more so with Zach...I feel the same...which, creates a potential if indeed a move was made to put Eric in the starting lineup. Perhaps for that reason it won't happen. I do know that Purdue got off to a great start in the last two games and it was helpful for sure...particularly yesterday...and, it stands to be important on Thursday as well.

I really felt like yesterday's game was going to come down to what the Seniors ultimately did...they struggled early collectively and it looked like it would be easy to pin a loss on that...then, all delivered over the course of the game, but, particularly in the extra session(s)...a credit to them, and, something that was desperately needed as well.

Yesterday was without question Hunter's best game, and, it came on the heels of a solid game against Nebraska...happy for him...happy for Purdue...hope that the confidence that he has seemingly gained and with which he displayed yesterday is now the case moving forward, as, it REALLY would benefit Purdue greatly.

I agree with all of this.

I will say this about tournament games, it doesn't matter who starts, it is who finishes. Think back to Villanova and Dante DiVincenzo's crazy game. Dude came off the bench and played 37 minutes and scored 31 points.

For Hunter to continue being that spark off the bench, he needs to come out aggressive like he has the past 2 games. At the end of the day, we are a more uptempo team and slowing it down tends to hurt us. He also seems to play better when he is aggressive.

 

[Boiler8285]

I agree with all of this.

I will say this about tournament games, it doesn't matter who starts, it is who finishes. Think back to Villanova and Dante DiVincenzo's crazy game. Dude came off the bench and played 37 minutes and scored 31 points.

For Hunter to continue being that spark off the bench, he needs to come out aggressive like he has the past 2 games. At the end of the day, we are a more uptempo team and slowing it down tends to hurt us. He also seems to play better when he is aggressive.

100%. pay attention to who ends a close game.

 

[DAG10]

I agree with all of this.

I will say this about tournament games, it doesn't matter who starts, it is who finishes. Think back to Villanova and Dante DiVincenzo's crazy game. Dude came off the bench and played 37 minutes and scored 31 points.

For Hunter to continue being that spark off the bench, he needs to come out aggressive like he has the past 2 games. At the end of the day, we are a more uptempo team and slowing it down tends to hurt us. He also seems to play better when he is aggressive.

This team has quality depth like no other Purdue one has, and, that most teams don't...Seth Greenberg talks about it a lot...refers to Purdue as "Noah's Ark" with two of everything.

It may lack premier talent at all positions, but, it has premier talent, and, it has talent at all positions.

Newman did not play against Penn St., yet, got some quality minutes yesterday and has certainly shown himself capable any number of times.

Furst's minutes have been way down, yet, the kid can play and will ultimately contribute as well.

Morton's minutes went down yesterday, but, he has had big minutes in other games and will continue to get them at times.

Purdue is blessed to have experience, depth, size, skill and shooting...and, has made some strides defensively...with a lot of room still for improvement there....which can be a good thing, and, if it happens...even just incrementally, Purdue is SO much better and SO much more difficult to beat.

Hunter stepping up of late has been significant and it can/will be if he can sustain it.

Ivey and Williams both struggled mightily from the field yesterday...in years past, that would be a recipe for disaster...Purdue still managed to score 90+ and win in a hostile environment despite it...HUGE.

 

[POTFHBTFU]

With Tre on the floor, Hunter knows to look for cutting opportunities because Tre will find him and Hunter can finish. IT never rarely cuts into the lane because he can’t finish at the rim if contested.

Funny you say that because that happened in the game where IT cut back trev looked at him and decided not to pass it even though he was open for the cut I’m sure he would’ve been swatted at the basket though

 

[bonefish1]

Funny you say that because that happened in the game where IT cut back trev looked at him and decided not to pass it even though he was open for the cut I’m sure he would’ve been swatted at the basket though

Teams used to bait his brother PJ into the lane to get an easy block. I'm actually surprised teams don't do this more with IT. Overplay the 3 pt line and just let him drive.

 

[ChoiceBeef]

It may lack premier talent at all positions, but, it has premier talent, and, it has talent at all positions.

To make a deep run, we don't need a plethora of premier/elite talent for 40 minutes. We need a platoon of above average guys who can be elite for their 5-10 minutes.

 

[SCBoiler1]

This team has quality depth like no other Purdue one has, and, that most teams don't...Seth Greenberg talks about it a lot...refers to Purdue as "Noah's Ark" with two of everything.

It may lack premier talent at all positions, but, it has premier talent, and, it has talent at all positions.

Newman did not play against Penn St., yet, got some quality minutes yesterday and has certainly shown himself capable any number of times.

Furst's minutes have been way down, yet, the kid can play and will ultimately contribute as well.

Morton's minutes went down yesterday, but, he has had big minutes in other games and will continue to get them at times.

Purdue is blessed to have experience, depth, size, skill and shooting...and, has made some strides defensively...with a lot of room still for improvement there....which can be a good thing, and, if it happens...even just incrementally, Purdue is SO much better and SO much more difficult to beat.

Hunter stepping up of late has been significant and it can/will be if he can sustain it.

Ivey and Williams both struggled mightily from the field yesterday...in years past, that would be a recipe for disaster...Purdue still managed to score 90+ and win in a hostile environment despite it...HUGE.

DAG 10 I normally agree with a lot of what you have to say on the Board but my takeaway was exactly the opposite yesterday.

To me it looks like Painter is shortening his bench and playing the guys who are making the plays at the expense of winning games based on a deep bench. Purdue had 3 guys play 41, 42, and 43 minutes yesterday. Their replacements played 12, 9 and 3 minutes. At this point there is a big drop-off in production after Ivey, Williams, Edey, Sasha and Gillis. Hunter and Thompson will split time and it looks like the other guys are just going to get spot minutes when someone is in foul trouble or needs a rest especially in key games.

 

[DAG10]

I agree with all of this.

I will say this about tournament games, it doesn't matter who starts, it is who finishes. Think back to Villanova and Dante DiVincenzo's crazy game. Dude came off the bench and played 37 minutes and scored 31 points.

For Hunter to continue being that spark off the bench, he needs to come out aggressive like he has the past 2 games. At the end of the day, we are a more uptempo team and slowing it down tends to hurt us. He also seems to play better when he is aggressive.

This team has quality depth like no other Purdue one has, and, that most teams don't...Seth Greenberg talks about it a lot...refers to Purdue as "Noah's Ark" with two of everything.

It may lack premier talent at all positions, but, it has premier talent, and, it has talent at all positions.

Newman did not play against Penn St., yet, got some quality minutes yesterday and has certainly shown himself capable any number of times.

Furst's minutes have been way down, yet, the kid can play and will ultimately contribute as well.

Morton's minutes went down yesterday, but, he has had big minutes in other games and will continue to get them at times.

Purdue is blessed to have experience, depth, size, skill and shooting...and, has made some strides defensively...with a lot of room still for improvement there....which can be a good thing, and, if it happens...even just incrementally, Purdue is SO much better and SO much more difficult to beat.

Hunter stepping up of late has been significant and it can/will be if he can sustain it.

Ivey and Williams both struggled mightily from the field yesterday...in years past, that would be a recipe for disaster...Purdue still managed to score 90+ and win in a hostile environment despite it...HUGE.

DAG 10 I normally agree with a lot of what you have to say on the Board but my takeaway was exactly the opposite yesterday.

To me it looks like Painter is shortening his bench and playing the guys who are making the plays at the expense of winning games based on a deep bench. Purdue had 3 guys play 41, 42, and 43 minutes yesterday. Their replacements played 12, 9 and 3 minutes. At this point there is a big drop-off in production after Ivey, Williams, Edey, Sasha and Gillis. Hunter and Thompson will split time and it looks like the other guys are just going to get spot minutes when someone is in foul trouble or needs a rest especially in key games.

I don't think we disagree...I am in agreement that Painter has shortened the bench or limited some minutes for sure, but, the depth remains...and, different guys have had minutes cut in different games (and, I expect that to continue). There is a drop-off as well in production, to your point, but, if there wasn't...then there would be no reduction of minutes or shortening of the bench either. That said...I am pretty confident that Newman is still going to have a game (or games) where he gets 15 minutes or more and scores 15 points or more...that Furst will have a game or games where he gets 10 points and 5 rebounds and plays 15 minutes...and, Morton has had a ton of minutes recently up until yesterday, and, still will I believe at times. THAT is the depth that I am contending exists...that while individual minutes may vary at times, Purdue has 9/10 guys that all could get huge minutes in any game and produce (aside maybe of Morton in that regard, but, he is more a defensive/rebounding asset).

If you don't feel like we have depth, then on that point we would disagree.

Furst's minutes were down a ton yesterday...and, went to Gillis...but, both of those guys lost minutes to Morton as recently as the Wisconsin game. Newman did not play at PSU, but, had 11 minutes yesterday (and, they weren't at the expense of Sasha).

Ivey is going to play, and, play A LOT as long as he is not in foul trouble...Sasha is obviously going to play a ton as has been the case more or less in conference games...Gillis is going to get minutes deservedly as well...either Eric or Isaiah is going to get 25 while the other generally gets 15, and, Edey/Williams will both continue to more or less split time save one just being way more dominant. But, I still think Furst will get minutes, and, will ultimately help Purdue...Morton definitely will...and, Newman will as well. There is a reason they are not getting as many minutes as the other guys, but, all are guys that are capable of not just helping Purdue, but, having a huge impact in a game or games.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

Teams used to bait his brother PJ into the lane to get an easy block. I'm actually surprised teams don't do this more with IT. Overplay the 3 pt line and just let him drive.

He’s got a nice floater when he gets in the lane. Hit a few of them in Ann Arbor a year or so ago.

 

[bonefish1]

He’s got a nice floater when he gets in the lane. Hit a few of them in Ann Arbor a year or so ago.

I might be wrong, but I don’t know whether he’s taken a 2 pt shot in a B10 game.

 

[POTFHBTFU]

DAG 10 I normally agree with a lot of what you have to say on the Board but my takeaway was exactly the opposite yesterday.

To me it looks like Painter is shortening his bench and playing the guys who are making the plays at the expense of winning games based on a deep bench. Purdue had 3 guys play 41, 42, and 43 minutes yesterday. Their replacements played 12, 9 and 3 minutes. At this point there is a big drop-off in production after Ivey, Williams, Edey, Sasha and Gillis. Hunter and Thompson will split time and it looks like the other guys are just going to get spot minutes when someone is in foul trouble or needs a rest especially in key games.

Disagree. Hunter played a lot off the bench, quite a bit more than IT and Edey/Trevion go back and forth getting more minutes. It’s not like we have a second line and clearly you will get Ivey more minutes but our bench would make the tournament this year. Furst played 3 minutes but started 12 games and is averaging 19 minutes. And gillis has played in all but 4 of those games. Also you are minimizing the production of IT and Hunter who could each start on all but a few teams in the B1G.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I might be wrong, but I don’t know whether he’s taken a 2 pt shot in a B10 game.

WHAT??????

He has no official 2-pt attempts in conference play.

 

[SCBoiler1]

WHAT??????

He has no official 2-pt attempts in conference play.

Yes! He's 2 for 18, all from 3.

 

[SCBoiler1]

Disagree. Hunter played a lot off the bench, quite a bit more than IT and Edey/Trevion go back and forth getting more minutes. It’s not like we have a second line and clearly you will get Ivey more minutes but our bench would make the tournament this year. Furst played 3 minutes but started 12 games and is averaging 19 minutes. And gillis has played in all but 4 of those games. Also you are minimizing the production of IT and Hunter who could each start on all but a few teams in the B1G.

Hunter and IT are going to split minutes and so are Trevion and Edey. I am predicting Gillis, Ivey and Sasha are going to start playing well over 30 minutes in contested games with Morton, Furst and Newman splitting about 15 - 20 minutes per game.

 

[SCBoiler1]

This depth stuff is getting ridiculous. Illinois clearly had 4 guards better than anyone not named Ivey or Sasha.

 

[Hausta01]

This depth stuff is getting ridiculous. Illinois clearly had 4 guards better than anyone not named Ivey or Sasha.

Which 4? The one that scored 3 points? Or the "guard" that was the same size as Mason Gillis? Or Luke Goode who played like 6 minutes?

 

[DAG10]

This depth stuff is getting ridiculous. Illinois clearly had 4 guards better than anyone not named Ivey or Sasha.

Illinois has depth as well, that does not mean that Purdue doesn't. I think they are the two teams with the most quality depth in the conference, and, nothing from Monday changed my opinion on that.

And, part of that is a result of Curbelo having been out, as, it led to minutes for guys that they would not otherwise get...and, with his return...are about to diminish.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that Purdue has like 4/5 guys sitting on the bench that are all-conference caliber guys, but, Furst started...Hunter has started...Newman started for a pretty good stretch a year ago...Williams/Edey both start or have...so, the one guy in the rotation that has not started is Morton, but, he gets quality minutes at times, and, will.

I would contend any of those guys aside of Morton are good enough to start, and, frankly, if they did, that they may be better, and, Purdue may not be discernibly different or worse...Isaiah/Hunter is a wash more or less...same obviously with Ede/Williams...Furst lacks the experience of Gillis, but, not the skills or talent...I know people are down on Newman, but, I am not, and, he flourished a year ago when he was a starter and I don't know that he would not if for some reason he had to do that this year.

 

[SCBoiler1]

Which 4? The one that scored 3 points? Or the "guard" that was the same size as Mason Gillis? Or Luke Goode who played like 6 minutes?

IMO, Carbello, Plummer, and Frazier are clearly better than everyone except Ivey and Sasha . Grandison as well but even if you consider him a forward, Williams (the guy who scored 3 points) had 6 rebounds, 4 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. So......

I'd take Ivey over any of them and Sasha is just as good as any of them but that's not the point. I do think our best 5 are better than their best 5. Not starting 5, best 5 (Williams, Ivey, Edey, Gillis, Sasha). IMO there isn't much difference between our guys 6-10 and their guys 6-10.

 

[mathboy]

IMO, Carbello, Plummer, and Frazier are clearly better than everyone except Ivey and Sasha . Grandison as well but even if you consider him a forward, Williams (the guy who scored 3 points) had 6 rebounds, 4 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. So......

I'd take Ivey over any of them and Sasha is just as good as any of them but that's not the point. I do think our best 5 are better than their best 5. Not starting 5, best 5 (Williams, Ivey, Edey, Gillis, Sasha). IMO there isn't much difference between our guys 6-10 and their guys 6-10.

You do know that Plummer is 5'11", and was often getting lost on defense, right? Those two easy layups by Hunter were made "easy" by Plummer losing Hunter on defense and letting him cut unimpeded to the basket. Yes, Plummer was hot and hit about 6 3-pt shots. He doesn't always do that. I think I might consider him the equivilent to Sasha on offense, but his defense is worse.

Now Carbello did a nice job and we will see if he can keep that level of play. Before he was out, he had a tendency to ball-hog and exclude the rest of the team. I'm not sure he would ever play for Painter without significant change to his perspective.

Frazer is as good as anyone we have. I'd take him in a New York minute.

 

[bonefish1]

You do know that Plummer is 5'11", and was often getting lost on defense, right? Those two easy layups by Hunter were made "easy" by Plummer losing Hunter on defense and letting him cut unimpeded to the basket. Yes, Plummer was hot and hit about 6 3-pt shots. He doesn't always do that. I think I might consider him the equivilent to Sasha on offense, but his defense is worse.

Now Carbello did a nice job and we will see if he can keep that level of play. Before he was out, he had a tendency to ball-hog and exclude the rest of the team. I'm not sure he would ever play for Painter without significant change to his perspective.

Frazer is as good as anyone we have. I'd take him in a New York minute.

Why is there this theory or assumption or whatever you want to call it, that Painter doesn't want a high volume ball handling, shooter/scorer? That's exactly what Carsen Edwards was. The guy pretty much had the green light to do whatever he wanted, when he wanted, without repercussions of getting yanked. Granted, the offensive options were much more limited on that team and you had to rely on CE to score, but this perception that a guy who dominates the scoring and volume of shots wouldn't fit into Painter's system is inaccurate.

 

[DAG10]

IMO, Carbello, Plummer, and Frazier are clearly better than everyone except Ivey and Sasha . Grandison as well but even if you consider him a forward, Williams (the guy who scored 3 points) had 6 rebounds, 4 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. So......

I'd take Ivey over any of them and Sasha is just as good as any of them but that's not the point. I do think our best 5 are better than their best 5. Not starting 5, best 5 (Williams, Ivey, Edey, Gillis, Sasha). IMO there isn't much difference between our guys 6-10 and their guys 6-10.

I don't know where this is headed admittedly, as, it stems from the suggestion that Purdue has depth, which, I will continue to contend is accurate...but, Illinois does as well...like say, I think they are the two deepest (and, not coincidentally...best) teams in the conference.

You suggested that Illinois has 4 guards better than Purdue does aside of Ivey and Sasha...and, that may very well be accurate....I would argue Purdue has 4 post guys better than anyone that Illinois does not named Cockburn...in the end, does it matter? Both teams play 8/9/10 guys...THAT is the point...both teams can play that many guys and still succeed. I mean Illinois played more than half the game without Cockburn...on paper, Purdue should win in light of that, seemingly easily...yet, won in a shootout in double overtime...a testament to the depth of Illinois and the quality of their collective roster. At the same time, Purdue's two "best" (or at least better) players struggled mightily...to the point that again, on paper, would suggest that Purdue would likely struggle to win...yet, they scored 90+ points and won in a hostile environment...a testament to their depth as well.

Would Purdue love to have 4 guards as good as Illinois' collective group? I am certain that they would, especially to go with the quality bigs that they have...vice versa, I am confident that Illinois would love to have Purdue's bigs to go along with their guards. Either way, both teams have the ability to play 8/9/10 guys...a lot (most?) don't...if either team had a case where all 8/9 guys were as good as their best 2 guys, either team would be incredibly dominant...the fact that they have 8/9/10 good players though is why both teams are very good teams, and, both teams have a real good chance to be in a position to win a national championship.

Purdue has depth...it has 9 guys that could start/have started...and, it has won with multiple assorted lineups with those 9 guys...that does not even account for Morton who has played, and, played a lot at times. Purdue has NEVER had a roster where that was the case...not many teams have...more so with consideration for the fact that it has some genuinely elite talent...the mere fact that it has the luxury of redshirting a kid that was more than capable of having an impact at Purdue, and, would stand to have a significant impact at so many other places (including Illinois)...is even more affirmation of the depth that this Purdue team has.