Look, losing Scott hurts. If nothing else he was a bench player who provided some depth when needed. I have no idea if Purdue is better off without him. I think the concern about perception about Purdue and PGs will not be a lasting thing. It's better to get it all out now than to let it linger, so it's good that it's all over.
I'm not going to fret about having to start PJ instead of Bryson, if it comes to that. Yes, PJ isn't neraly as quick, but he plays just as tough, plays smarter and can shoot a 3-pointer. PJ was a 2-1 assist/TO guy as a freshman, where Scott was a 1-1 guy. Scott shot 41% 2-pointers, where PJ was 50%. Neither are dunkers and both will get blocked going for lay ups, PJ is just more selective about what he does. Scott and PJ led the team in steals per minute, which was absent in the RJ/TJ days. Scott was a better rebounder, neither were in Octeus' league.
Again, if it's a question of Scott vs, PJ, I'm fine with PJ. Purdue just needs depth right now at the position. Weatherford's a true freshman and I don't think anyone has a clue if he'll be ready right away. If there's an upgrade in the 5th year market, take it. But don't just take anyone. Purdue should be a very attractive option right now, particularly if Hammons comes back. There's a high probability of being a top 3-5 Big Ten team and a solid tournament team, even with PJ as a starter. Better if there's an upgrade at PG, no question.
I think Purdue's biggest weakness this year in the end was its ability to play fast on offense, which was a team thing. The scoring droughts cost Purdue a number of games including Cinci. We saw glimpses of it with passing that we haven't seen in a long, long time from both Edwards and Mathias, but the team in general was still very inexperienced. Scott wasn't going to be part of the solution there. PJ could be with time. I think back to 2008 when Duke came to Mackey and just demolished Purdue with its ability to play fast. I think the returning team has the ability to play very fast and do the same thing that Duke did to Purdue on a regular basis. It was great seeing Purdue do it to IU, but just struggled with teams that could actually play defense.
I'm optimistic. Realistic that things could be better, but optimistic. At least PJ is next in line, and he's no Patrick Bade. So I don't want to hear any comparisons to 2009-2010 recruiting. It's just not applicable. There will be another PG recruit at Purdue, that I know. Purdue will be in the tournament again. And there are good PGs out there that will want to play for Purdue, or at least fall into Purdue's lap. Maybe this whole episode narrows down the field of recruits for Painter, which maybe is a good thing.
I'm not going to fret about having to start PJ instead of Bryson, if it comes to that. Yes, PJ isn't neraly as quick, but he plays just as tough, plays smarter and can shoot a 3-pointer. PJ was a 2-1 assist/TO guy as a freshman, where Scott was a 1-1 guy. Scott shot 41% 2-pointers, where PJ was 50%. Neither are dunkers and both will get blocked going for lay ups, PJ is just more selective about what he does. Scott and PJ led the team in steals per minute, which was absent in the RJ/TJ days. Scott was a better rebounder, neither were in Octeus' league.
Again, if it's a question of Scott vs, PJ, I'm fine with PJ. Purdue just needs depth right now at the position. Weatherford's a true freshman and I don't think anyone has a clue if he'll be ready right away. If there's an upgrade in the 5th year market, take it. But don't just take anyone. Purdue should be a very attractive option right now, particularly if Hammons comes back. There's a high probability of being a top 3-5 Big Ten team and a solid tournament team, even with PJ as a starter. Better if there's an upgrade at PG, no question.
I think Purdue's biggest weakness this year in the end was its ability to play fast on offense, which was a team thing. The scoring droughts cost Purdue a number of games including Cinci. We saw glimpses of it with passing that we haven't seen in a long, long time from both Edwards and Mathias, but the team in general was still very inexperienced. Scott wasn't going to be part of the solution there. PJ could be with time. I think back to 2008 when Duke came to Mackey and just demolished Purdue with its ability to play fast. I think the returning team has the ability to play very fast and do the same thing that Duke did to Purdue on a regular basis. It was great seeing Purdue do it to IU, but just struggled with teams that could actually play defense.
I'm optimistic. Realistic that things could be better, but optimistic. At least PJ is next in line, and he's no Patrick Bade. So I don't want to hear any comparisons to 2009-2010 recruiting. It's just not applicable. There will be another PG recruit at Purdue, that I know. Purdue will be in the tournament again. And there are good PGs out there that will want to play for Purdue, or at least fall into Purdue's lap. Maybe this whole episode narrows down the field of recruits for Painter, which maybe is a good thing.
