Matchup and Strengths

[3AmigosBigDogBabyBoilersBiggie]

This game is fascinating in regards to strategy. We'll struggle to match the athleticism and speed of Mason, Graham, and Jackson. Not even sure how we'll approach defending them. But their frontcourt is paper thin. If we go Big we will struggle defensively but we'll put a lot of pressure on them when we have the ball. If Lucas and Bragg get into foul trouble they could be vulnerable.

So, what do you think? What lineups would work in our favor? Who guards who? Which matchups offer us an advantage and vice versa? And honestly who can guard Josh Jackson?

 

[depthcharge623]

I think it depends on the situation, but I would put our three big lineup in fairly quickly (unless we just dominate with starting lineup out the gate) and stick with it if it works.

 

[NVBoilerFan]

And honestly who can guard Josh Jackson?

Bring Chris Kramer in from Germany on a 4 game contract.

 

[FirstDownB]

Honestly, other than Kansas probably being a more talented team, I don't think match-up wise they pose any more of a problem than Iowa State did. Position-by-position they line up similarly.
Morris --> Mason (PJ)
Burton --> Jackson (VE)
Mitrou-Long --> Graham (DM)
Thomas --> Mykhailiuk (RC)
Young --> Lucas (CS)

I think VE will almost certainly draw Jackson, with Biggie on Lucas. I do wonder if Self will go small and force Jackson on a big, as Iowa State did with Burton in the 2nd half, or stick with his normal rotations and play us straight up.

Similar to Iowa State, Kansas are the ones that will be facing a team in Purdue like they have seldom faced. Kansas has a few more days to prepare, and that might be the difference. Wish we were facing them on Saturday instead of Thursday.

 

[cprh9u]

Size wise doesn't VE need to be on Jackson? I think we need to have Carsen starting too not only for his playmaking but to stick to Mason, and then PJT on Graham? Ugh, gonna be tough one way or the other. Either way, if we can get Biggie and Haas playing like they did in that 1st half against ISU and our guards to shoot lights out as they have several times this year, we have a chance.

 

[MDS3]

I am one Indiana fan that thinks Purdue has a great matchup with Kansas...Kansas started pulling away from State when they didn't have to guard Tum Tum at all. They left him wide open in the corner and concentrated on the other 4 players on the floor. You cant do that with Purdue as all your guards can hit the three. You have a great mismatch inside, while Kansas has the mismatch at guard. Key is VE against Jackson and which one of them gets in foul trouble first. Will Matt actually try to play a little zone to slow them down, and not allow penetration from guards and Jackson?

 

[depthcharge623]

I am one Indiana fan that thinks Purdue has a great matchup with Kansas...Kansas started pulling away from State when they didn't have to guard Tum Tum at all. They left him wide open in the corner and concentrated on the other 4 players on the floor. You cant do that with Purdue as all your guards can hit the three. You have a great mismatch inside, while Kansas has the mismatch at guard. Key is VE against Jackson and which one of them gets in foul trouble first. Will Matt actually try to play a little zone to slow them down, and not allow penetration from guards and Jackson?

Nope, he won't play zone. Never has, probably never will. But as we've seen the sag defense against good teams, I think we will see it here too. Give up trying to disrupt the pass, so you can sag and help on the drive. The biggest issue will be how well we can close on their shooters when they kick back out. And how good of a night their shooters have...

 

[Froggr]

Is it ridiculous to think about putting Mathias on Jackson? Svi and Jackson are both 6'8" in their starting lineup. Dakota might be able to deny Jackson the ball, or at least stay tight with him.

 

[boombaby14]

I want to see them throw all kinds of guys at mason as well....Pj to start then CE when he comes in and DM from time to time depending on rest of lineup. The team runs through him so I think you have to keep him on his toes. If they have the ball with one shot to win or tie I think you gotta go DM on him.