Yes I am a big fan of this computer model and if you notice the remaining teams defensive numbers they are all top 10 in D. Our offense was never the problem this year - our D is in the 50s. Off season work needs to be on the defensive end no matter who is on the roster next season. That will dictate how far we go!
Kenpom
- Thread starter SaratogaBoiler1
- Start date
The defense certainly looked better in the tournament. Adding some rim protection should help as well.
The Houston game was the most complete game we probably played all season. Defense was great that game, no complaints there. If anything, we missed some shots that we usually hit. I hope we can carry over the defense we played in the tourney to next year.
Our offense will be crazy next year - just need the D to get into top 20
Crazy Stat - Every National Champion since 2002 has been top 40 in offense and top 25 in defense on KenPom.
I think the addition of DJ and the progression of Cox/Gicarri/Colvin should help some there.
Adding depth in portal should allow TKR and Smith to be more aggressive and not take plays off on D (TKR not worrying about foul trouble due to having backup and Smith getting 5-10 mins of rest).
I think Cox and Jacobson could be an outstanding bookend on D the next few years with Cox pressure and DJ rim protection.
Adding depth in portal should allow TKR and Smith to be more aggressive and not take plays off on D (TKR not worrying about foul trouble due to having backup and Smith getting 5-10 mins of rest).
I think Cox and Jacobson could be an outstanding bookend on D the next few years with Cox pressure and DJ rim protection.
Don’t forget about rebounding. Cleaning up the defensive glass would also significantly help.
I expect the two freshmen West and Benter to contend for the 3 spot. Colvin was at 31% from 3 no way either shoots less than 35%. Jack has in the gym range and is known for making clutch shots. West is an off-balance scorer and a GREAT 3-point shooter. Who defends and passes very well. Neither IMO will unseat CJ, but both will compete for minutes. The future is bright.
This is it.
Our D lost games this year, no matter how good our offense was clicking on a given night. This year was the softest D I have seen at Purdue in a very long time, maybe weakest interior defense I can ever remember.
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None of TKR, Heide and Cox are significant rebounders for their position. All are undersized at playing out of their position. None are shot blockers. 3 guys playing "up" a position is not going to be good for defense very often.
At the same time we had significant scoring droughts of 5 minutes or so in multiple games against top competition. Struggled to get good shots off against them. There were issues at both ends.
And Colvin was going to be a one and done. Let's wait and see before we say these things based on shooting over slow five ten guards and six four centers in high school. Freshmen also have a big learning curve on defense. Contributors yes, contending to start, unlikely.
