role player development

[nagemj02]

There's an old saying in team sports that, "you're only as good as your worst player." While the term worst is rather harsh, I think this does ring true for many teams in a highly competitive sport, especially ones where team depth is critical. With that stated, I think this can apply to next season's team. Among the scholarship players, who are the "weaker links" and what do they need to work on to improve between now and next season?

I think most diehard Purdue men's hoops fans agree that V. Edwards, Haas, and Swanigan (if he comes back) are the three best returning players on scholarship. What are the things that Mathias, Thompson, Smotherman, Cline, and Taylor are capable of improving in their games, physically, and mentally?

 

[Emartin70287]

Mathias improve usage rate while maintaining efficiency, Thompson needs to become a better slasher, improve speed, Smotherman all around game, specifically shooting given he had 2 years I expect more, Cline defense, and improve efficiency, Taylor become role player who can play to his strengths and create mismatches for short stretches.

 

[Dryfly88]

Taylor needs to show he can be a legitimate back-up at the #5 in the B1G. If CS doesn't come back we are VERY thin at the 5.

 

[nagemj02]

Mathias improve usage rate while maintaining efficiency, Thompson needs to become a better slasher, improve speed, Smotherman all around game, specifically shooting given he had 2 years I expect more, Cline defense, and improve efficiency, Taylor become role player who can play to his strengths and create mismatches for short stretches.

What are Taylor's strengths? I know he can rebound (moreso by crashing the glass than blocking-out and gathering it), I know he has a decent jump-shot, and I know he's a left-handed shooter (odd for most defenders to guard).

Speed, quickness, and overall stamina are concerns for all of the mentioned players, except for possibly Smotherman. Shooting and overall ball-handling and decision-making are all things he can improve upon.

From what we have seen up to this point, what are the strengths and weaknesses (or liabilities) of Cline, Mathias, Smotherman, Taylor, and Thompson's games?

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

There's an old saying in team sports that, "you're only as good as your worst player." While the term worst is rather harsh, I think this does ring true for many teams in a highly competitive sport, especially ones where team depth is critical. With that stated, I think this can apply to next season's team. Among the scholarship players, who are the "weaker links" and what do they need to work on to improve between now and next season?

I think most diehard Purdue men's hoops fans agree that V. Edwards, Haas, and Swanigan (if he comes back) are the three best returning players on scholarship. What are the things that Mathias, Thompson, Smotherman, Cline, and Taylor are capable of improving in their games, physically, and mentally?

The biggest issue for next season will be what does CMP do after Haas next season if Biggie doesn't come back. If Biggie decides to leave, I think you will see Taylor be given an opportunity to take that increased role early in the season but inevitably what I see happening is CMP playing 'small' ball against teams. A lineup, to give Haas a breather, could look like this:
G: Carsen Edwards
G: Dakota Mathias
G: Ryan Cline
F: Vince Edwards
F: Basil Smotherman

This lineup isn't going to overwhelm you with size, but it does provide Purdue with its most athletic group of players to get up and down the floor. I'm not sure Vinice has the makeup to guard the post (like Hummel did), but Smotherman seems to have the dogfight in him to battle down low if need be. You could easily substitute Taylor in this lineup as an outside-in post player if he shows an ability to provide solid playing time in extended minutes.

But to answer your questions, I believe the weak link becomes rebounding. Losing two of the better players to rebound in the B1G last year (potentially) will be hard to overcome.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

I think Taylor should be playing, if Swanigan leaves , then Edwards and Haas can't play 40 minutes a game. And if Swanigan stays, I think Taylor needs to sub in for Hass. Taylor will get plenty of work in practice against Haas, he will be ok for Purdue.

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

I think Taylor should be playing, if Swanigan leaves , then Edwards and Haas can't play 40 minutes a game. And if Swanigan stays, I think Taylor needs to sub in for Hass. Taylor will get plenty of work in practice against Haas, he will be ok for Purdue.

I do think you are right, but in the event that Taylor does struggle, I would like to see Edwards play through Haas' rest. Then, you could sub Haas back in and allow Edwards a quick breather in the minute before a TV timeout as Haas could easily hold down the offensive side of the ball as the focal point.

 

[nagemj02]

Taylor has shown brief flashes as a potential shot-blocker (in his what-would-be-redshirt and then his full freshman season) but he's also shown that he doesn't like contact and shies away from the physicality. He needs to get tougher in that area and continue to refine his skillset. If that happens, he should become more poised on the court with regular PT.


"The biggest issue for next season will be what does CMP do after Haas next season if Biggie doesn't come back. If Biggie decides to leave, I think you will see Taylor be given an opportunity to take that increased role early in the season but inevitably what I see happening is CMP playing 'small' ball against teams. A lineup, to give Haas a breather, could look like this:
G: Carsen Edwards
G: Dakota Mathias
G: Ryan Cline
F: Vince Edwards
F: Basil Smotherman

This lineup isn't going to overwhelm you with size, but it does provide Purdue with its most athletic group of players to get up and down the floor. I'm not sure Vinice has the makeup to guard the post (like Hummel did), but Smotherman seems to have the dogfight in him to battle down low if need be. You could easily substitute Taylor in this lineup as an outside-in post player if he shows an ability to provide solid playing time in extended minutes."

I think this is an example of why the coaching staff needs to add more players (more-so grad transfers than anything else) this offseason: because something like a lineup with both Cline and Mathias in it could be considered Purdue's most athletic lineup next season.

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

Taylor has shown brief flashes as a potential shot-blocker (in his what-would-be-redshirt and then his full freshman season) but he's also shown that he doesn't like contact and shies away from the physicality. He needs to get tougher in that area and continue to refine his skillset. If that happens, he should become more poised on the court with regular PT.


"The biggest issue for next season will be what does CMP do after Haas next season if Biggie doesn't come back. If Biggie decides to leave, I think you will see Taylor be given an opportunity to take that increased role early in the season but inevitably what I see happening is CMP playing 'small' ball against teams. A lineup, to give Haas a breather, could look like this:
G: Carsen Edwards
G: Dakota Mathias
G: Ryan Cline
F: Vince Edwards
F: Basil Smotherman

This lineup isn't going to overwhelm you with size, but it does provide Purdue with its most athletic group of players to get up and down the floor. I'm not sure Vinice has the makeup to guard the post (like Hummel did), but Smotherman seems to have the dogfight in him to battle down low if need be. You could easily substitute Taylor in this lineup as an outside-in post player if he shows an ability to provide solid playing time in extended minutes."

I think this is an example of why the coaching staff needs to add more players (more-so grad transfers than anything else) this offseason: because something like a lineup with both Cline and Mathias in it could be considered Purdue's most athletic lineup next season.

I think Cline works well in the transition because of his ability to stop and pop three pointers and Mathias works well with his court vision and passing. Not as bad of a transition team as you would think because all 5 of those players would fill a very defined role as a transition team.

 

[nagemj02]

I think Cline works well in the transition because of his ability to stop and pop three pointers and Mathias works well with his court vision and passing. Not as bad of a transition team as you would think because all 5 of those players would fill a very defined role as a transition team.

Yes, it's a pretty good offensive lineup. I was thinking more about the defensive end within Painter's exclusive man-to-man.

 

[Boiler Buck]

Taylor's biggest problem was defensive position and defensive desire and wherewithal when I watched him....

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

In Taylor's defense, its hard to sit on the bench, never getting to play then put in a game and to play well. No matter how much practice you have, its not the same, give the guy some game time.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Taylor needs to show he can be a legitimate back-up at the #5 in the B1G. If CS doesn't come back we are VERY thin at the 5.

I agree with this. If Swanigan doesn't return, Taylor will be key. It is hard for me to imagine Haas playing more than 25 minutes a game. Taylor seems to have the tools. I actually think that the contrast between Haas and Taylor could be a good thing, particularly on offense where defenses will need to prepare for two completely different looks.

If Vince Edwards moves back to the 4, he needs to step up and take advantage of his superior quickness at that position. If Taylor plays like a stretch 5, which I think he might, it should create spacing for Edwards to consistently attack the basket.

I also see a Swanigan departure as a huge opportunity for Smotherman. I think that Basil has the opportunity to make Purdue far more athletic if he can see around 20 minutes/game. I love his potential, especially if he can learn to consistently play the tenacious defense that he showed in spurts as a sophomore.

 

[Dakota Girl]

Yes, it's a pretty good offensive lineup. I was thinking more about the defensive end within Painter's exclusive man-to-man.

That could be a very good man to man lineup as they should be very capable of help and rotation. Basil, and Vince have length and quickness at the four and three spots. Dakota plays smarter than he does quick. Haas and Taylor man the post. If the opposing five is a perimeter guy that's hurting you go with Taylor. They should be better equipped to deal with pick and roll/pop as well.

 

[nagemj02]

Taylor's biggest problem was defensive position and defensive desire and wherewithal when I watched him....

So learning the team's defensive fundamental concepts while still playing with a high-motor might be his biggest weakness right now?