Well, I only have one question. How effective will Purdue contain the dribble without loading up too much help?
I think Purdue will be very good on the O. Purdue can play low, mid and high post. Purdue has versatile wings that can drive the ball and shoot on the perimeter...and Vince is a heck of a passer as is Biggie....wait and see on Basil. Dakota is the best passer and he will float between a 2 and 3. Spike is a crafty addition that will keep defenses honest on the perimeter. He has the old mans game. There are enough potential perimeter shooters with Cline, PJ, Dakota, Spike and Carsen at the 1 and 2. The players do NOT have to have the ball in their hands to score and yet Carsen has the ability to have the ball in his hands and score with the D in his face for last second opportunities. This is a cerebral team that can play big or small, slow or fast. This team has solid play at all positions on the O. I see more aggression in the guard play and as long as some control on it is made (and it will) I see threats from all five spots. I like this team on the O...it is the D that is still unknown. That said, the kids are a team and will not slack on D and play as hard and effective as able.
I haven't seen much from Cline in two scrimmages, but I'm mostly concerned about the individual D in containing the dribble and how much help overplay is needed to compensate for containment in the shell defense. I know I'm a Purdue fan and that Wisconsin has them all back..and THAT will be a tough get (not sure about their depth), but Maryland has lost some inside play and IU lost Yogi that made the whole team go (they could be good, but they will be different and not get as much benefit with the rule emphasis without Yogi) along with hot and cold Williams. There is not a team in the Big Purdue cannot beat...even the loaded , but youthful MSU at MSU.
Now, I think Purdue has all the tools to play every way possible, but Purdue doesn't have that many that can do it all or take over a game. It is a skillful team where the players compliment each other and more often than not that is all that is needed. It also has a guard unlike any the last few years looking to score when he gets off the bench...he just needs to control that aggression a little. I'm ready for the season...
