How did we do in our first real test at handling an athletic press? I also would like to ask my comrads: Is PJ Thompson seizing this opportunity or what? Thoughts?
Purdue vs the press
- Thread starter Ryneforpresident
- Start date
I thought it was going to be rough the first few minutes. A few sloppy plays but then they seemed to figure it out. PJ was the man Sunday. If he keeps it up, we will be really good.
I think Purdue handled it pretty darn well after the first five minutes of the game - I think it was a matter of getting up to speed.
Pitt plays a 1-3-1 defense, don't they? We should get good looks and make some hay on the boards.
Pitt plays a 1-3-1 defense, don't they? We should get good looks and make some hay on the boards.
PJ has been tough and a solid point. I don't think he needs to be a featured offensive weapon but his shot has improved to the point where he can make defenses pay for sagging off him. Great decision making, plays within the system, and doesn't turn it over. Just what the doctor ordered.
Overall, the Boilers handled it better than I thought they might.....a few bumps but some good signs too.
Props, BR, for the salute to Rita Hayworth.
i'll eat my words, i was one of the detractors to the prospects of PJ being 'the guy' this year. i've been pleasantly surprised at his development thus far. I agree though, I dont think he needs to be one of the top choices in the offense for generating points, but any production from the 1 spot is going to be an asset in keeping defenses honest.
PJ split double teams more than once and made it look easy. He looks greatly improved so far, this season. His efficiency is pretty remarkable.
Yes, I thought PJ handled the double teams and press rather well. I also think we will benefit from the rule changes about impeding the offensive player's movement. Some presses we faced last year were actually muggings with everyone slapping at the ball and grabing the player's arms. We haven't seen that nonsense yet, but the refs could still let it happen, even with the rule changes.
I watched the other Purdue players and they were watching and ready to help if needed. That alone is a change from last year when everyone ran downcourt and waited.
Reading up a little more, Pitt was playing man-D against Detroit and found themselves down. For the last 15 minutes of the game they switched to zone and won going away.
Their perimeter defense can be a little suspect, so surely we'll get some good looks from outside.
it was interesting in that the played a 2-2-1 off and on, but never with hard pressure. Teh press kept backing off trying to get Purdue to pass against it an not be as agressive causing problems the first few possessions. Soon after that guards just slowly brought the ball up and the press still kept just backing off waiting for that soft pass or for movement INTO a trapping situation. It appeared they were waiting for Purdue to mess up more than trying to make Purdue mess up. Again, this strategy may have also been an attempt to eat clock before Purdue could get into teh half court offense. PUrdue did fine though...
Did you really think PU would have that much trouble against these guys?
.....although it doesn't look like an athletic press
I don't know anything about Pitt. I wonder if their 3 across have a lot of length? I also wonder if it is a trapping 1-3-1 or straight up 1-3-1 that may go into a matchup. Either way I love a 2-1-2 initial set with the back two a little wide on the initial pass. Good guard play(could be hindered by height) can destroy a 1-3-1. Think high post and 45 degree opposite. Not advocating, but Biggie running mid to high post, Vince along baseline, if Kendall were "on"...the other baseline and PJ and or Dakota or Cline on top. Biggie is a good enough passer that he could destroy this if the others hit and he were running the high post. Course AJ could swap that spot and actually interchange with biggie. I just think if the baseline could finish at the rim and hit the open jumper with a fluid, player running high post...Purdue shouldn't have any problem. However, I've seen 1-3-1surprise. This would be great for Purdue to see...
1-3-1 doesn't scare me with this team.
With Hill or PJ and Ray up top ready to attack and Biggie high post. We can destroy that setup. Having Haas or AJ down low and Vince roaming the baseline ready to shoot or drive. Piece of cake.
Having Biggie with our 7 footers has completely changed what we can do with any zone. Add in Ray and Vince improved from 3. We should be fine.
very much agree with all that! "IF" they have a lot of length on the 3 across that could cause PJ problems with his height...but like you that zone doesn't worry me.
Michigan loves (at least out of necessity ) to run those zones at times, so at Painter will recognize it.
Pitts previous game is on ESPN replay.
