ONE nice aspect of Purdue with the 30 second clock is

[tjreese]

that Purdue has a "MINIMUM" of 4 players that can get the board and push the ball. If Swanigan is at the 5, Purdue has 5 that can push the ball. Caleb, being a horse on the boards is very good at the outlet pass to get things going. Having the many people that can push the ball puts a lot of pressure on the defense. Purdue just needs to know when to run and score and when to run, probe and be efficient in the half court. Matt has a LOT of versatile players and depth in everything...

 

[dumpsterFyre]

The shortened shot clock certainly plays into our depth. Precisely why I don't think the game against Indiana this year will be close after the half. Runaway Purdue victory.

 

[tjreese]

The shortened shot clock certainly plays into our depth. Precisely why I don't think the game against Indiana this year will be close after the half. Runaway Purdue victory.

If Jesus Christ took his team of 12 there it would be tough. I think depth can help Purdue running up and down the court putting pressure on IU, always making them run the court. However, I do NOT want to get into a up and down game with quick shots since that removes defense and that has not been a strong suit for IU anyway. If IU sends a lot to the boards and Purdue owns the boards it gives Purdue a great shot at transition. PUrdue has depth at every location, but the versatility of the players allow so many options and the fact the Caleb being a strong rebounder does a really good job on his outlet passes is big. Add in all the other players that can push the ball and it puts a lot of pressure on the defense, forcing the opposing coach to roll the dice...does he send more to teh boards or play prevent D?

Back in the Zeller, days IU was as good as any in the country. IU had a very good 5, a 4 that could score inside and out, a great athlete and defender who became an offensive weapon as well and several players that could shoot the 3 ball. The passed well and shot the ball well. they had an inside game and were deadly from the outside. Purdue has a lot of those pieces this year...maybe not the talent of a Zeller or the athletic ability of Olindipo (sp?), but a lot of depth inside and out...and PUrdue is very unselfish ...

 

[dumpsterFyre]

I just think all the IU hype is predicated on fimally getting a center in Tommy Bryant (#22 ESPN) who will go up against AJ, Caleb (#9 ESPN), and Isaac. He'll need an ice bath after the game.

They'll still need to go back to Collin Hartman for significant minutes at Center.

 

[tjreese]

I just think all the IU hype is predicated on fimally getting a center in Tommy Bryant (#22 ESPN) who will go up against AJ, Caleb (#9 ESPN), and Isaac. He'll need an ice bath after the game.

They'll still need to go back to Collin Hartman for significant minutes at Center.

Hype beside, I have to give Crean credit for his quick offensive game. I much prefer Matt as a coach, but I think IU runs the court day in and day out as well as anyone. I remember Purdue running with them when Purdue was much better and IU played that style much better against Purdue than I would have guessed. Make no mistake, the rule emphasis is a huge plus for IU...the touch fouls or breathing on players as well as the shot clock reducing the time required to defend. Beating IU there is really tough...ask Chad Austin.

 

[proudopete]

Hype beside, I have to give Crean credit for his quick offensive game. I much prefer Matt as a coach, but I think IU runs the court day in and day out as well as anyone. I remember Purdue running with them when Purdue was much better and IU played that style much better against Purdue than I would have guessed. Make no mistake, the rule emphasis is a huge plus for IU...the touch fouls or breathing on players as well as the shot clock reducing the time required to defend. Beating IU there is really tough...ask Chad Austin.

Ha. You didn't just try to make winning at IU tough by referencing the IU dagger king did you?

I was at both of those games and this Purdue team is much more talented then the Chad and Brad teams.

This IU team has talented starters. But their bench has no shot at playing with our bench.

I agree. We open it up in the last ten minutes and Bryant has the best seat in the house. ; )

 

[tjreese]

Ha. You didn't just try to make winning at IU tough by referencing the IU dagger king did you?

I was at both of those games and this Purdue team is much more talented then the Chad and Brad teams.

This IU team has talented starters. But their bench has no shot at playing with our bench.

I agree. We open it up in the last ten minutes and Bryant has the best seat in the house. ; )

Well, it did come down to a last second for Chad a couple of times. Purdue is very talented...this team may end up being very good as I thought for some time. Still, winning down there is tough and I want Purdue to be under control when pushing the ball...

 

[proudopete]

Well, it did come down to a last second for Chad a couple of times. Purdue is very talented...this team may end up being very good as I thought for some time. Still, winning down there is tough and I want Purdue to be under control when pushing the ball...

I agree. I doubt we try to run with IU.
There will be no need. It will likely look more like the NC a&t game where our bigs get layup after layup.

We will abuse teams with only one big once AJ gets back. Teams with only one big who is a frosh will get beat by a lot.

The only way IU hangs with us is to shoot lights out against us. We are bigger at every position and play a lot better defense. The fact we shut their 3 point shooters down at IU last year and that we are bigger this year doesn't bode well for them.

Add in the fact that we have 6 guys who can shoot it to makes it even worse for them.

We basically had two guys last season who could hit at a decent clip. Adding Cline and having Ray and Edwards improve and having Biggie who can obviously hit is as well, bodes very nicely for us.

I am curious as to how we do against better competition. But the open looks will be there. If we continue to hit them at high 30% or better. We will be tough to beat.

If we didn't have the depth we have. I would be worried. But Painter will out coach Crean and force one or two guys to beat our 6 or 8. It really shouldn't be close.

 

[tjreese]

I agree. I doubt we try to run with IU.
There will be no need. It will likely look more like the NC a&t game where our bigs get layup after layup.

We will abuse teams with only one big once AJ gets back. Teams with only one big who is a frosh will get beat by a lot.

The only way IU hangs with us is to shoot lights out against us. We are bigger at every position and play a lot better defense. The fact we shut their 3 point shooters down at IU last year and that we are bigger this year doesn't bode well for them.

Add in the fact that we have 6 guys who can shoot it to makes it even worse for them.

We basically had two guys last season who could hit at a decent clip. Adding Cline and having Ray and Edwards improve and having Biggie who can obviously hit is as well, bodes very nicely for us.

I am curious as to how we do against better competition. But the open looks will be there. If we continue to hit them at high 30% or better. We will be tough to beat.

If we didn't have the depth we have. I would be worried. But Painter will out coach Crean and force one or two guys to beat our 6 or 8. It really shouldn't be close.

That is all fine and dandy, but the refs have a say and they protect the dribblers so much. Now, if it is called like a real BIG game adn not what we are seeing today, then yes Purdue should be fine.