MBB Practice 10/25/16

[B-Westy]

I posted this on KHC and thought you "free folk" (GoT fans?) might want to read some of my less-than-stellar hot takes on practice today.


The team had their annual open practice for the Paint Crew today from 2-5, where I picked up my shirt and proceeded to spectate practice from the cushioned seats. Thought I'd throw out some #hottakes for you guys.

• Temper expectations for Carsen Edwards. The kid is going to be good, I have no doubt about it, but he had a pretty off day today. In live action, he shot a high volume and I don't think he broke 20% from the field. That's who he is and we're going to have to live through these cold streaks, but I still feel like he'll be able to do more on the floor than previous shooters when they aren't hitting. He's a dynamic player on offense, and even if he goes cold, I still think he can contribute.

• One more thing about Carsen that I've noticed is that he gets very frustrated very easily. He gets down on himself and takes himself out of plays at times. He coasted through some sections of practice when he didn't have the ball. In a half court defensive drill focusing on switches, Jack Owens had to stop the play a 2nd time in a row after Carsen had his hands down twice on the switch and exclaimed, "We are not losing from a shot on a switch when someone doesn't have his hands up! If you can't have your hands up, if you can't stay with him, you will not play! You will not play!" Pretty interesting moment there for the freshman, but his teammates were there to pick him up. Bottom line, he's got all the physical tools, but I think his shortcomings THIS year will be more mental than physical.

• Dakota and Cline were fantastic today, especially Dakota. I almost want to say Dakota was the best player on the court today. His expanded game was evident with a variety of mid-range pull-ups, fade aways, cutting to the basket, and hitting a ridiculous rate from three. He was crafty as always by getting people involved and finding an open cutter. Ryan shot waaaaay better than he did in the scrimmage too. It was fun to watch this practice because I specifically focused the Ryan vs. Carsen matchup. Ryan was much better on Carsen today. Stayed in front more often and never really got beat too bad aside from maybe one nice spin move Carsen pulled.

• Spike looked good. It was really fun to watch this guy. Great court vision and composure when they ran a press-break drill. Hit most of his open shots and had some great assists that made you say "Woah".

• Isaac struggled again today. I'm not sure if it's still the ankle, but more air balls on the basic hook shots, not finishing at the rim. I wouldn't say I'm concerned, but it can't be encouraging for him struggle this much, this close to the start of the season. I think he'll snap out of it, though.

• PJ was another guy who stood out today. I honestly won't be surprised if he averages at least 9ppg this year. He barely missed a shot today while also attacking the rim more often. He also ATTACKED the press forcefully and confidently, and defended well. He's the clear starting PG for this team.

This team has a great combination of size and skill that we'll be able to have on the floor at all times. Along with added versatility from Basil returning and Biggie being able to play the 5 more often. Anyway, looking forward to the season. Going to be a fun one.

Cheers.

 

[BoiledSteel]

Thanks for the great write up. I can live with Carsen's slumps as I think they would only be temporary. Painter seems to be letting him shoot it sounds like, so these things will happen and good things will happen from it.

Isaac hopefully shakes off whatever is bothering him.

Any insight on Swanigan? I'm really excited to hear what you said about Dakota... he battled a lot of issues and I always thought he could be something special and he might be heading that way it sounds like.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I posted this on KHC and thought you "free folk" (GoT fans?) might want to read some of my less-than-stellar hot takes on practice today.


The team had their annual open practice for the Paint Crew today from 2-5, where I picked up my shirt and proceeded to spectate practice from the cushioned seats. Thought I'd throw out some #hottakes for you guys.

• Temper expectations for Carsen Edwards. The kid is going to be good, I have no doubt about it, but he had a pretty off day today. In live action, he shot a high volume and I don't think he broke 20% from the field. That's who he is and we're going to have to live through these cold streaks, but I still feel like he'll be able to do more on the floor than previous shooters when they aren't hitting. He's a dynamic player on offense, and even if he goes cold, I still think he can contribute.

• One more thing about Carsen that I've noticed is that he gets very frustrated very easily. He gets down on himself and takes himself out of plays at times. He coasted through some sections of practice when he didn't have the ball. In a half court defensive drill focusing on switches, Jack Owens had to stop the play a 2nd time in a row after Carsen had his hands down twice on the switch and exclaimed, "We are not losing from a shot on a switch when someone doesn't have his hands up! If you can't have your hands up, if you can't stay with him, you will not play! You will not play!" Pretty interesting moment there for the freshman, but his teammates were there to pick him up. Bottom line, he's got all the physical tools, but I think his shortcomings THIS year will be more mental than physical.

• Dakota and Cline were fantastic today, especially Dakota. I almost want to say Dakota was the best player on the court today. His expanded game was evident with a variety of mid-range pull-ups, fade aways, cutting to the basket, and hitting a ridiculous rate from three. He was crafty as always by getting people involved and finding an open cutter. Ryan shot waaaaay better than he did in the scrimmage too. It was fun to watch this practice because I specifically focused the Ryan vs. Carsen matchup. Ryan was much better on Carsen today. Stayed in front more often and never really got beat too bad aside from maybe one nice spin move Carsen pulled.

• Spike looked good. It was really fun to watch this guy. Great court vision and composure when they ran a press-break drill. Hit most of his open shots and had some great assists that made you say "Woah".

• Isaac struggled again today. I'm not sure if it's still the ankle, but more air balls on the basic hook shots, not finishing at the rim. I wouldn't say I'm concerned, but it can't be encouraging for him struggle this much, this close to the start of the season. I think he'll snap out of it, though.

• PJ was another guy who stood out today. I honestly won't be surprised if he averages at least 9ppg this year. He barely missed a shot today while also attacking the rim more often. He also ATTACKED the press forcefully and confidently, and defended well. He's the clear starting PG for this team.

This team has a great combination of size and skill that we'll be able to have on the floor at all times. Along with added versatility from Basil returning and Biggie being able to play the 5 more often. Anyway, looking forward to the season. Going to be a fun one.

Cheers.

Nice to hear about Dakota and Cline. I think that Dakota might be the most underrated player on the team. He does a lot of things well.

 

[B-Westy]

Thanks for the great write up. I can live with Carsen's slumps as I think they would only be temporary. Painter seems to be letting him shoot it sounds like, so these things will happen and good things will happen from it.

Isaac hopefully shakes off whatever is bothering him.

Any insight on Swanigan? I'm really excited to hear what you said about Dakota... he battled a lot of issues and I always thought he could be something special and he might be heading that way it sounds like.

I didn't mention Vince or Swanigan because I thought they looked on-par to what's been reported recently. They looked like our leaders & All-B1G type guys. One thing I did notice about Biggie was he a tad more spring in his step. He's MUCH quicker & his footwork has improved immensely. He's getting off the floor quicker and he's way more decisive with his moves.

 

[nagemj02]

Thanks for the report. I know you mentioned Smotherman in general terms, but how did he look today? Did Taylor participate? I hope he and Haas return to their top playing form soon.

 

[B-Westy]

Thanks for the report. I know you mentioned Smotherman in general terms, but how did he look today? Did Taylor participate? I hope he and Haas return to their top playing form soon.

Taylor is still out, no boot though. I really think Basil can make a huge impact as a defender if he remains energetic. (If that makes sense) He's a pest. He's active around the ball & was very effective as a help defender. Just needs to stay consistent & play hard all the time. He looked solid today.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

Great write up. Thanks. We tend to overestimate the impact freshman will have. I wouldn't be surprised to see CE struggle early finding rhythm and minutes. But he'll steadily improve for sure.

 

[BoilerAndy]

I posted this on KHC and thought you "free folk" (GoT fans?) might want to read some of my less-than-stellar hot takes on practice today.


The team had their annual open practice for the Paint Crew today from 2-5, where I picked up my shirt and proceeded to spectate practice from the cushioned seats. Thought I'd throw out some #hottakes for you guys.

• Temper expectations for Carsen Edwards. The kid is going to be good, I have no doubt about it, but he had a pretty off day today. In live action, he shot a high volume and I don't think he broke 20% from the field. That's who he is and we're going to have to live through these cold streaks, but I still feel like he'll be able to do more on the floor than previous shooters when they aren't hitting. He's a dynamic player on offense, and even if he goes cold, I still think he can contribute.

• One more thing about Carsen that I've noticed is that he gets very frustrated very easily. He gets down on himself and takes himself out of plays at times. He coasted through some sections of practice when he didn't have the ball. In a half court defensive drill focusing on switches, Jack Owens had to stop the play a 2nd time in a row after Carsen had his hands down twice on the switch and exclaimed, "We are not losing from a shot on a switch when someone doesn't have his hands up! If you can't have your hands up, if you can't stay with him, you will not play! You will not play!" Pretty interesting moment there for the freshman, but his teammates were there to pick him up. Bottom line, he's got all the physical tools, but I think his shortcomings THIS year will be more mental than physical.

• Dakota and Cline were fantastic today, especially Dakota. I almost want to say Dakota was the best player on the court today. His expanded game was evident with a variety of mid-range pull-ups, fade aways, cutting to the basket, and hitting a ridiculous rate from three. He was crafty as always by getting people involved and finding an open cutter. Ryan shot waaaaay better than he did in the scrimmage too. It was fun to watch this practice because I specifically focused the Ryan vs. Carsen matchup. Ryan was much better on Carsen today. Stayed in front more often and never really got beat too bad aside from maybe one nice spin move Carsen pulled.

• Spike looked good. It was really fun to watch this guy. Great court vision and composure when they ran a press-break drill. Hit most of his open shots and had some great assists that made you say "Woah".

• Isaac struggled again today. I'm not sure if it's still the ankle, but more air balls on the basic hook shots, not finishing at the rim. I wouldn't say I'm concerned, but it can't be encouraging for him struggle this much, this close to the start of the season. I think he'll snap out of it, though.

• PJ was another guy who stood out today. I honestly won't be surprised if he averages at least 9ppg this year. He barely missed a shot today while also attacking the rim more often. He also ATTACKED the press forcefully and confidently, and defended well. He's the clear starting PG for this team.

This team has a great combination of size and skill that we'll be able to have on the floor at all times. Along with added versatility from Basil returning and Biggie being able to play the 5 more often. Anyway, looking forward to the season. Going to be a fun one.

Cheers.

Does anyone else think of Matt Waddel when they think of Mathias' game? Not gifted with speed and hops, but smart, skilled player.

 

[boilerzz]

Does anyone else think of Matt Waddel when they think of Mathias' game? Not gifted with speed and hops, but smart, skilled player.

He reminds me of Dwayne Wade.

 

[PU pit bull]

I know it was mentioned that Cline may be the "odd man" out this season................uh, no way. He and Dakota have the daggers.

 

[Boileratthebeach]

Does anyone else think of Matt Waddel when they think of Mathias' game? Not gifted with speed and hops, but smart, skilled player.

Waddle's hair was impeccable. Total feathers on the sides with a middle part. That said, I think Dakota is a better player and better shooter.

 

[nagemj02]

I know it was mentioned that Cline may be the "odd man" out this season................uh, no way. He and Dakota have the daggers.

They need to show it when it matters (the real games, esp. in the NCAA Tournament).

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

I posted this on KHC and thought you "free folk" (GoT fans?) might want to read some of my less-than-stellar hot takes on practice today.


The team had their annual open practice for the Paint Crew today from 2-5, where I picked up my shirt and proceeded to spectate practice from the cushioned seats. Thought I'd throw out some #hottakes for you guys.

• Temper expectations for Carsen Edwards. The kid is going to be good, I have no doubt about it, but he had a pretty off day today. In live action, he shot a high volume and I don't think he broke 20% from the field. That's who he is and we're going to have to live through these cold streaks, but I still feel like he'll be able to do more on the floor than previous shooters when they aren't hitting. He's a dynamic player on offense, and even if he goes cold, I still think he can contribute.

• One more thing about Carsen that I've noticed is that he gets very frustrated very easily. He gets down on himself and takes himself out of plays at times. He coasted through some sections of practice when he didn't have the ball. In a half court defensive drill focusing on switches, Jack Owens had to stop the play a 2nd time in a row after Carsen had his hands down twice on the switch and exclaimed, "We are not losing from a shot on a switch when someone doesn't have his hands up! If you can't have your hands up, if you can't stay with him, you will not play! You will not play!" Pretty interesting moment there for the freshman, but his teammates were there to pick him up. Bottom line, he's got all the physical tools, but I think his shortcomings THIS year will be more mental than physical.

• Dakota and Cline were fantastic today, especially Dakota. I almost want to say Dakota was the best player on the court today. His expanded game was evident with a variety of mid-range pull-ups, fade aways, cutting to the basket, and hitting a ridiculous rate from three. He was crafty as always by getting people involved and finding an open cutter. Ryan shot waaaaay better than he did in the scrimmage too. It was fun to watch this practice because I specifically focused the Ryan vs. Carsen matchup. Ryan was much better on Carsen today. Stayed in front more often and never really got beat too bad aside from maybe one nice spin move Carsen pulled.

• Spike looked good. It was really fun to watch this guy. Great court vision and composure when they ran a press-break drill. Hit most of his open shots and had some great assists that made you say "Woah".

• Isaac struggled again today. I'm not sure if it's still the ankle, but more air balls on the basic hook shots, not finishing at the rim. I wouldn't say I'm concerned, but it can't be encouraging for him struggle this much, this close to the start of the season. I think he'll snap out of it, though.

• PJ was another guy who stood out today. I honestly won't be surprised if he averages at least 9ppg this year. He barely missed a shot today while also attacking the rim more often. He also ATTACKED the press forcefully and confidently, and defended well. He's the clear starting PG for this team.

This team has a great combination of size and skill that we'll be able to have on the floor at all times. Along with added versatility from Basil returning and Biggie being able to play the 5 more often. Anyway, looking forward to the season. Going to be a fun one.

Cheers.

I think Haas' struggles are more from the increased expectations than anything physical. For his first two years, he got to play the role of the apprentice to Hammons, even when he started. Now that the focus is solely on him AND that focus has been sharpened by him being named to the Abdul-Jabbar list...he could just be forcing it too much. I think he will settle it down and allow himself to simply play the game when needed...but the scrimmage and this practice have all happened in less than a week when being named to that list. I have no doubt that he will be fine as he settles in to his new focused role.

 

[nagemj02]

Waddle's hair was impeccable. Total feathers on the sides with a middle part. That said, I think Dakota is a better player and better shooter.

Matt Waddell was more productive through his first two seasons of play than Mathias:

Waddell (Fr.) '91-'92: 8.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG (best on team), 2.2 TPG, 2.5 FPG, 51% FG's (99-193), 83% FT's (78-94), 32% 3PT's (12-38), 23.8 MPG, 33 GP, 16 GS

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/purdue/1992.html

Waddell (So.) '92-'93: 7.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.6 APG, 1.9 TPG, 2.2 FPG, 44% FG's (76-169), 80% FT's (31-39), 43% 3PT's (19-44), 24.2 MPG, 28 GP, 19 GS

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/purdue/1993.html


Dakota Mathias (Freshman and Sophomore Stats): http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dakota-mathias-1.html

You have to remember that Waddell was the runner-up to Damon Bailey for Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 1990, so he was no slouch. Keady redshirted him his first season ('90-'91, when they really could have used him, ironically), he was a spot-starter his first two seasons (although I believe he was one of the five players that had the most starts in each of those seasons) of actual play, and then a two-year full-time starter after that.

 

[Boileratthebeach]

Matt Waddell was more productive through his first two seasons of play than Mathias:

Waddell (Fr.) '91-'92: 8.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG (best on team), 2.2 TPG, 2.5 FPG, 51% FG's (99-193), 83% FT's (78-94), 32% 3PT's (12-38), 23.8 MPG, 33 GP, 16 GS

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/purdue/1992.html

Waddell (So.) '92-'93: 7.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.6 APG, 1.9 TPG, 2.2 FPG, 44% FG's (76-169), 80% FT's (31-39), 43% 3PT's (19-44), 24.2 MPG, 28 GP, 19 GS

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/purdue/1993.html


Dakota Mathias (Freshman and Sophomore Stats): http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dakota-mathias-1.html

You have to remember that Waddell was the runner-up to Damon Bailey for Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 1990, so he was no slouch. Keady redshirted him his first season ('90-'91, when they really could have used him, ironically), he was a spot-starter his first two seasons (although I believe he was one of the five players that had the most starts in each of those seasons) of actual play, and then a two-year full-time starter after that.

Good point. This is purely from a drunken recollection. Drunk me still think Dakota is a better player.

 

[PU pit bull]

They need to show it when it matters (the real games, esp. in the NCAA Tournament).

When it matters is all about perspective I suppose. Cline was a freshman. Dakota, I wouldn't trade him for no one.

 

[tjreese]

I posted this on KHC and thought you "free folk" (GoT fans?) might want to read some of my less-than-stellar hot takes on practice today.


The team had their annual open practice for the Paint Crew today from 2-5, where I picked up my shirt and proceeded to spectate practice from the cushioned seats. Thought I'd throw out some #hottakes for you guys.

• Temper expectations for Carsen Edwards. The kid is going to be good, I have no doubt about it, but he had a pretty off day today. In live action, he shot a high volume and I don't think he broke 20% from the field. That's who he is and we're going to have to live through these cold streaks, but I still feel like he'll be able to do more on the floor than previous shooters when they aren't hitting. He's a dynamic player on offense, and even if he goes cold, I still think he can contribute.

• One more thing about Carsen that I've noticed is that he gets very frustrated very easily. He gets down on himself and takes himself out of plays at times. He coasted through some sections of practice when he didn't have the ball. In a half court defensive drill focusing on switches, Jack Owens had to stop the play a 2nd time in a row after Carsen had his hands down twice on the switch and exclaimed, "We are not losing from a shot on a switch when someone doesn't have his hands up! If you can't have your hands up, if you can't stay with him, you will not play! You will not play!" Pretty interesting moment there for the freshman, but his teammates were there to pick him up. Bottom line, he's got all the physical tools, but I think his shortcomings THIS year will be more mental than physical.

• Dakota and Cline were fantastic today, especially Dakota. I almost want to say Dakota was the best player on the court today. His expanded game was evident with a variety of mid-range pull-ups, fade aways, cutting to the basket, and hitting a ridiculous rate from three. He was crafty as always by getting people involved and finding an open cutter. Ryan shot waaaaay better than he did in the scrimmage too. It was fun to watch this practice because I specifically focused the Ryan vs. Carsen matchup. Ryan was much better on Carsen today. Stayed in front more often and never really got beat too bad aside from maybe one nice spin move Carsen pulled.

• Spike looked good. It was really fun to watch this guy. Great court vision and composure when they ran a press-break drill. Hit most of his open shots and had some great assists that made you say "Woah".

• Isaac struggled again today. I'm not sure if it's still the ankle, but more air balls on the basic hook shots, not finishing at the rim. I wouldn't say I'm concerned, but it can't be encouraging for him struggle this much, this close to the start of the season. I think he'll snap out of it, though.

• PJ was another guy who stood out today. I honestly won't be surprised if he averages at least 9ppg this year. He barely missed a shot today while also attacking the rim more often. He also ATTACKED the press forcefully and confidently, and defended well. He's the clear starting PG for this team.

This team has a great combination of size and skill that we'll be able to have on the floor at all times. Along with added versatility from Basil returning and Biggie being able to play the 5 more often. Anyway, looking forward to the season. Going to be a fun one.

Cheers.

Thank you...pretty much what I would expect to see. Carsen will learn some things, but it is good to see him be tough on himself rather than not caring. Still, you want to move on to the next play. I also appreciate that Ryan played better because in the two scrimmages I have seen he has really struggled.

 

[tjreese]

Matt Waddell was more productive through his first two seasons of play than Mathias:

Waddell (Fr.) '91-'92: 8.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.4 APG (best on team), 2.2 TPG, 2.5 FPG, 51% FG's (99-193), 83% FT's (78-94), 32% 3PT's (12-38), 23.8 MPG, 33 GP, 16 GS

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/purdue/1992.html

Waddell (So.) '92-'93: 7.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.6 APG, 1.9 TPG, 2.2 FPG, 44% FG's (76-169), 80% FT's (31-39), 43% 3PT's (19-44), 24.2 MPG, 28 GP, 19 GS

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/purdue/1993.html


Dakota Mathias (Freshman and Sophomore Stats): http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dakota-mathias-1.html

You have to remember that Waddell was the runner-up to Damon Bailey for Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 1990, so he was no slouch. Keady redshirted him his first season ('90-'91, when they really could have used him, ironically), he was a spot-starter his first two seasons (although I believe he was one of the five players that had the most starts in each of those seasons) of actual play, and then a two-year full-time starter after that.

I actually think Matt beat Damon as the most complete player in Hoosier Basketball. Matt's mom (Jane) was the lean towards Purdue. Matt's dad (Phil) was a slight lean to UCLA due to Larry Angle (head coach at Tipton when Phil was Asst.) being a frat brother with Jim Harrick in college.

Matt (like Kyle Macy) looked slow on TV, but neither were. We can't compare stats between two different players on two different teams, with different rules and "rule emphasis" in an accurate manner IMO. Even this summer in the scrimmage before Spain...Matt made a couple of great passes. BOTH really see the court...BOTH are consumate team players. It "appears to me" that Matt may have been the better stationary shooter, but with a longer clock that opportunity was allowed more often than today. BOTH... any coach could use IMO

 

[Boiler Buck]

I posted this on KHC and thought you "free folk" (GoT fans?) might want to read some of my less-than-stellar hot takes on practice today.

• Dakota and Cline were fantastic today, especially Dakota. I almost want to say Dakota was the best player on the court today. His expanded game was evident with a variety of mid-range pull-ups, fade aways, cutting to the basket, and hitting a ridiculous rate from three. He was crafty as always by getting people involved and finding an open cutter. Ryan shot waaaaay better than he did in the scrimmage too. It was fun to watch this practice because I specifically focused the Ryan vs. Carsen matchup. Ryan was much better on Carsen today. Stayed in front more often and never really got beat too bad aside from maybe one nice spin move Carsen pulled.

Cheers.

Aren't Dakota & Ryan always good in practice? Great team players...both of them..

However, I would just like to see either be a difference maker in a game on a consistent level on the offensive side.. Maybe we will get that more often from Dakota this year since he is a junior??

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Aren't Dakota & Ryan always good in practice? Great team players...both of them..

However, I would just like to see either be a difference maker in a game on a consistent level on the offensive side.. Maybe we will get that more often from Dakota this year since he is a junior??

Dakota doesn't need to score several points consistently to contribute consistently. He's a player who doesn't force things that aren't there, but takes what is available.

 

[BoilerAndy]

I actually think Matt beat Damon as the most complete player in Hoosier Basketball. Matt's mom (Jane) was the lean towards Purdue. Matt's dad (Phil) was a slight lean to UCLA due to Larry Angle (head coach at Tipton when Phil was Asst.) being a frat brother with Jim Harrick in college.

Matt (like Kyle Macy) looked slow on TV, but neither were. We can't compare stats between two different players on two different teams, with different rules and "rule emphasis" in an accurate manner IMO. Even this summer in the scrimmage before Spain...Matt made a couple of great passes. BOTH really see the court...BOTH are consumate team players. It "appears to me" that Matt may have been the better stationary shooter, but with a longer clock that opportunity was allowed more often than today. BOTH... any coach could use IMO

This is true about Matt beating out Bailey for Most Complete Player. When I see a player like Dakota with floor vision and many skills, I think of Waddell.

Waddell took a redshirt his freshman year because he was in the School of Pharmacy, which is a 5-year program. And a tough one, especially freshman year.

After watching Waddell play in the NCAA tournament his junior year, Jerry West told Keady that he had a shot at the NBA. Unfortunately, he struggled with a leg (knee?) injury his senior year.

 

[PU52Chevy]

Matt Waddell was so level headed and saw the court....that is what I see in Dakota.

Calm and collected and lets the game come to him.

Matt was so calm during some of the biggest moments.....loved that.

Loved his jump shot too....nice and smooth.


Cline and Dakota will be priceless year when both are on.

 

[Boiler Wolf]

Does anyone else think of Matt Waddel when they think of Mathias' game? Not gifted with speed and hops, but smart, skilled player.

Matt was really good before the ACL. But after, he lost what lateral quickness he had and was a defensive liability. I think Mathias plays better D but isn't quite as skilled offensively. But I like the comparison.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

Matt was really good before the ACL. But after, he lost what lateral quickness he had and was a defensive liability. I think Mathias plays better D but isn't quite as skilled offensively. But I like the comparison.

I wish I had the Sportscenter clip from 93-94 where the anchor (Olbermann?) shows a Waddell shot and goes "Matt Waddell, you can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him!" That instantly became his tag line around my house any time he made even the must mundane of shots.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Matt was really good before the ACL. But after, he lost what lateral quickness he had and was a defensive liability. I think Mathias plays better D but isn't quite as skilled offensively. But I like the comparison.

Ah, it was the ACL... >cringe<

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Ah, it was the ACL... >cringe<

The fact that Waddell was able to contribute at all his senior year was incredible, given the timing of the injury.

 

[Boiler Buck]

I wish this Wadell comparison was true this year.....I would love Dakota to be a 10ppg+ scorer with 3A per game like Wadell was for Purdue.

 

[nagemj02]

When it matters is all about perspective I suppose. Cline was a freshman. Dakota, I wouldn't trade him for no one.

In two career NCAA Tournament games, Mathias is a combined 5-16 on FG's, 4-13 on 3PT's, and 4-6 FT's. It's not terrible, but it's not real good, either (especially the overall FG%). He needs to shoot and overall play better in those types of games.

 

[New Pal Boiler]

I actually think Matt beat Damon as the most complete player in Hoosier Basketball. Matt's mom (Jane) was the lean towards Purdue. Matt's dad (Phil) was a slight lean to UCLA due to Larry Angle (head coach at Tipton when Phil was Asst.) being a frat brother with Jim Harrick in college.

Matt (like Kyle Macy) looked slow on TV, but neither were. We can't compare stats between two different players on two different teams, with different rules and "rule emphasis" in an accurate manner IMO. Even this summer in the scrimmage before Spain...Matt made a couple of great passes. BOTH really see the court...BOTH are consumate team players. It "appears to me" that Matt may have been the better stationary shooter, but with a longer clock that opportunity was allowed more often than today. BOTH... any coach could use IMO

Did Waddell have an offer from UCLA?

 

[PU pit bull]

In two career NCAA Tournament games, Mathias is a combined 5-16 on FG's, 4-13 on 3PT's, and 4-6 FT's. It's not terrible, but it's not real good, either (especially the overall FG%). He needs to shoot and overall play better in those types of games.

I hear ya, but Mathias' last Tourney game of 12pts, 5reb, and 4assists wasn't too shabby for a soph.

 

[Heller]

This is true about Matt beating out Bailey for Most Complete Player. When I see a player like Dakota with floor vision and many skills, I think of Waddell.

Waddell took a redshirt his freshman year because he was in the School of Pharmacy, which is a 5-year program. And a tough one, especially freshman year.

After watching Waddell play in the NCAA tournament his junior year, Jerry West told Keady that he had a shot at the NBA. Unfortunately, he struggled with a leg (knee?) injury his senior year.

There wasn't any question that Matt was going to redshirt his freshman year. There are few people who can get through Pharmacy and a full time sport. Btw, it still took Matt six years to graduate.

 

[BoilerAndy]

There wasn't any question that Matt was going to redshirt his freshman year. There are few people who can get through Pharmacy and a full time sport. Btw, it still took Matt six years to graduate.

Yes. As I recall, Matt, his parents, and the coaching staff knew this when he came to Purdue. So questioning Keady's judgement is not the right thing to do.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Yes. As I recall, Matt, his parents, and the coaching staff knew this when he came to Purdue. So questioning Keady's judgement is not the right thing to do.

Not to mention that he helped lead Purdue to a Big Ten championship as a redshirt senior, despite the knee injury.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I hear ya, but Mathias' last Tourney game of 12pts, 5reb, and 4assists wasn't too shabby for a soph.

I thought he played well and he was arguably the best player under pressure in the two games, hitting big three pointers at crucial times in both. If his teammates had executed late in those games like Dakota did, Purdue would not have blown those leads.

 

[tjreese]

Did Waddell have an offer from UCLA?

the is my belief he did, but that was a long time ago .Phil was at a purdue party at Dr. Crebo's house when we were talking just outside Kokomo.
I know ucla was very interested and know Phil mentioned that was his lean and so I believe my memory is accurate in thinking the offer was on the table. it is clear Phil had that lean and how do you have a lean for something that doesn't exist?

 

[BoilerAndy]

the is my belief he did, but that was a long time ago .Phil was at a purdue party at Dr. Crebo's house when we were talking just outside Kokomo.
I know ucla was very interested and know Phil mentioned that was his lean and so I believe my memory is accurate in thinking the offer was on the table. it is clear Phil had that lean and how do you have a lean for something that doesn't exist?

Waddell was rated the equivalent to a 4-star at the time, for those who keep track.

 

[Heller]

Yes. As I recall, Matt, his parents, and the coaching staff knew this when he came to Purdue. So questioning Keady's judgement is not the right thing to do.

I wasn't questioning Keady. He did the right thing for Matt and I know that Matt missed practice when it interfered with his degree. Keady was totally supportive, as was the School of Pharmacy.

 

[nagemj02]

I thought he played well and he was arguably the best player under pressure in the two games, hitting big three pointers at crucial times in both. If his teammates had executed late in those games like Dakota did, Purdue would not have blown those leads.

You could say that, but on the other side of the coin, Mathias was the weak-side help man that drifted too far into the lane when UALR's junior center (Lis Shoshi) hit the step-back three over him late in regulation. Everyone returning needs to improve in crunch time and in finishing games, including Mathias.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

You could say that, but on the other side of the coin, Mathias was the weak-side help man that drifted too far into the lane when UALR's junior center (Lis Shoshi) hit the step-back three over him late in regulation. Everyone returning needs to improve in crunch time and in finishing games, including Mathias.

You think? The way I saw it, Shoshi was open in the corner by design because Hammons was playing his one man zone and not worrying about boxing out a seven footer camped out in the corner, while Mathias was guarding his own man who was crashing the boards. When the rebound took an odd bounce and went straight to the corner Mathias closed nicely to alter the shot without fouling. The shot was off badly, but took a fortuitous bounce (from a Little Rock perspective). Mathias wasn't perfect, but I am not sure how you expect him to guard two players better than he did on that play.

 

[Bluegrass Boiler]

There wasn't any question that Matt was going to redshirt his freshman year. There are few people who can get through Pharmacy and a full time sport. Btw, it still took Matt six years to graduate.

And, of course, it's not entirely fair to compare Dakota's first two years to Matt's, since not only did Dakota not take a redshirt year to acclimate to the B1G game, he was also hobbled considerably by illness/injury as a freshman. Assuming he's healthy, I'm guessing we'll see a great year out of Mathias this season.