A couple thoughts:
It’s hard not to think Jayla Smith could finally be coming into her own this postseason. She’s averaging 13 points and 4.5 rebounds on 55% shooting from the field over the last two games, all while looking the most confident I’ve seen her in a long time.
The aggressiveness out of Smith is what can turn her into a steady contributor, in my opinion. She flips the switch heading into next year and we could finally see her live up to the expectations of Katie Gearlds.
As many have voiced since Purdue accepted the NIT bid, this is why you play in the postseason if lucky enough. You’re running the possibility of players getting hot at the right time and building for the future.
Does an NIT run make up for a nightmare regular season? Probably not. But this stretch will do more good than harm in the long run.
Just a few weeks ago, we thought Purdue’s season was over. Now, it’s playing some of its best basketball with an opportunity for a championship at the start of April.
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