You don't just wave a magic wand and change the complexion of your roster.
Purdue was outrebounded by 11 in UCONN game. In that game you had JJ, Hummel, Calasan....and essentially a practice player in Reid.
Fast forward approximately 4 years later and there were 6 scholarship players on the roster that could only play the 4 &5 position. Bulk and size....won out over mobility in most of our centers after JJ.
You don't just randomly go from one of the best perimeter defense teams in country with rebounding issues at time.....to strong rebounding team that is a league cellar dweller in steals generated. There had to be a shift in philosophy.
Interesting enough it now appears Painter is going back to assembling a more athletic program for future. He will likely be successful with that transformation....just like he has with two vastly different styles already in his Purdue career.
Those that think Painter is afraid of change... haven't been paying attention. He changes more than most coaches.
I do see your point. The long term approach of building a particular roster can be effective and essential. But rule changes, changes in style of play, changes among conference competitors - so many aspects can quickly foil some longer term plans.
Many today feel Purdue is a bit behind the eight ball because we lack athleticism and guard play. If Coach is unable to adapt more quickly, we may have to endure several recruiting cycles to obtain yet another desired roster, let alone one full of
desired upperclassmen. I think that sells the coaching staff a bit short. Coach has previously made adjustments and changes with whatever roster he ends up with, and won't have to rely entirely on such longer term plans.
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I think your recruiting examples are tainted by the recruiting restrictions that hit about the same time. I might suggest that ANY recruits brought in this low period were all we could get with the lack of funding, and do not reflect the desires or direction of Painter.
The Mrs. Cordova years? She did nothing to enhance athletics for sure. However, a lack of funding and commitment was evident years before her, from the athletic department and Mr. Burke. Coach Tiller questioned them prior to Cordova, and Coach Keady voiced concern in the 1990's. Thankfully Mr. Bobinski, with newfound assistance from Mr. Daniels and the Board, has finally begun to implement more significant changes.
You are better served by looking at the baby boilers, then bridging to the AJ Hammonds class. The garbage in between just shows how an administration can trash a good program by under funding it.
I would most certainly NOT refer to those Purdue programs as garbage or trash. Despite the unfortunate results during that time, I saw those students and coaches still give effort and hard play.
