Seeing Purdue at Final Four 2026 what has to happen to get there and cut down the nets

[Bleedinggoldandblack]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

The run to the title is a marathon. Especially if you are a clear cut front runner. As with last year, going to take everyones BEST shot. That can have a good but not great team reeling as the pressure never ends. OR it can forge you. In fire. IF you really are a great TEAM.
We have high hopes.

 

[northside100]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

I'm not worried about pressure or focus for this team. I do worry about defense, particularly whether they can find a way to play cohesive team defense at a high level. They don't have the athleticism of a Houston, they don't need to, but if everyone buys into their role and executes at a high level they could have the same type of swarming defense that gives teams fits. They did it for stretches last season with a worse roster, can they do it consistently this year?

 

[Boiler Buck]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

@ Least. In regards to health, next year, we have enough weapons anyone besides Smith goes down for a bit.....and we will be ok. He is critical. Sure we can survive anything during the year, but for the EOY tournament, hope all are healthy.

 

[JerseyBoiler]

We will be a much deeper team with more consistent scoring options.
This will allow Braden to distribute more and take high percentage shots.
Loyer should benefit too and get much better looks, especially from kick outs.
Our front line defense and rebounding will be 180 degrees better than last year.
We also will likely see improved ball handling by Cox and Harris.
I've been drinking the cool aid and can't wait until next season.
This is setting up to be a magical season.

 

[Woodsa]

I think the depth that CMP has built will show its value late February. More rotations so that all get a breather and stay fresher, for longer.

Other teams may have more talent in their top 3-5, but my hope is most can't go 7-9 deep.

Would love to see Purdue be a top 5 O and D team. Not sure where the FF or champion team fell in O and D, bit Ourdue has to be dominate from the get go.

 

[northside100]

I think the depth that CMP has built will show its value late February. More rotations so that all get a breather and stay fresher, for longer.

Other teams may have more talent in their top 3-5, but my hope is most can't go 7-9 deep.

Would love to see Purdue be a top 5 O and D team. Not sure where the FF or champion team fell in O and D, bit Ourdue has to be dominate from the get go.

Not sure who would have a better top three.

 

[Dryfly88]

I'm with Northside100. Defense is my concern for next season. Not like, "oh my god we're going to be awful" but just concerned about containing the dribble and keeping guys out of the paint. Rim protection has to be improved, just worried about perimeter defense.

 

[Woodsa]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

We are not "old farts", we are sexy senior citizens with gas!! That is why we are on a fan forum!!!

 

[Bleedinggoldandblack]

I'm with Northside100. Defense is my concern for next season. Not like, "oh my god we're going to be awful" but just concerned about containing the dribble and keeping guys out of the paint. Rim protection has to be improved, just worried about perimeter defense.

I agree we are going to get tough on dribble penetration, Marquette and Penn State come to mind this past season, maybe even Wisconsin, Loyer and Smith are offensive threats more so than defensive , Loyer just gets run over or beat off the step consistently, I guess that's where Harris and Cox come , hoping Mayer can play some D too. Feel good about Jacobsen and Cluff.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

Should be an elite offensive team, but there will be games where the shots won't fall. So...

Defense
Rebounding
Limit turnovers

 

[qazplm]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

Offense needs to be consistent. This is a team that should be able to flirt with near 80 a game on paper.

Defense needs to be average. We don't have to be amazing, just not let teams trade baskets with us all game.

 

[northside100]

Offense needs to be consistent. This is a team that should be able to flirt with near 80 a game on paper.

Defense needs to be average. We don't have to be amazing, just not let teams trade baskets with us all game.

Depends on how you define average. Historical trends do not guarantee future results, but if you want to win a NC, I believe you generally have had to end up in the top 20 in adjusted defensive efficiency. That's not elite, but it's pretty dang good.

 

[jbvazq234]

Interested in your thoughts on making it to Indy.

1)The obvious "stay healthy" as a team.
CMP is a team builder no one part greater than the sum.
2)Some would say some luck along the way
3)This year all 1 seeds made it... something to be said for that seeding.
4)With the guns we have would love it if we lead nation in 3 pt shooting.
5)My biggest challenge is what CMP always is focused on and that's defense both individually and collectively, or outscore with a team full of 12 to 20 pt players when you add it up we should be avg 80+ per game.
6)At the end of day Braden will lead and be not just an ALL American but raise everyone up to a standard beyond even their expectations.
7) Handling the pressure media staying focused .

It's has the potential to be a great story an old school built on CMP values .... of team and integrity.

Indy school on the road to Indy.....it's got American dream written in the stars let's hope . At the same there still just our kids.
Now I'm sounding like an old fart.

What they have to do is win six games in the ncaa tournament. Piece of cake...

 

[tjreese]

I'm with Northside100. Defense is my concern for next season. Not like, "oh my god we're going to be awful" but just concerned about containing the dribble and keeping guys out of the paint. Rim protection has to be improved, just worried about perimeter defense.

unless the rules change or the refs change I expect containing the dribble to always be an area of concern...as long as skill leads athleticism, but as you and northside suggested..."team" or shell defense can help a lot...

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

Guards. Guards win championships. Purdue has the best point guard in the nation. Lots of weight on his shoulders next season. He's the key to a title.

 

[spoilerdave]

Guards. Guards win championships. Purdue has the best point guard in the nation. Lots of weight on his shoulders next season. He's the key to a title.

I tend to agree, but Braden has a lot of help this year. Like a LOT.

There are a legit 4 maybe 5 or 6 guards who could bring the ball up against a press defense.

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

I tend to agree, but Braden has a lot of help this year. Like a LOT.

There are a legit 4 maybe 5 or 6 guards who could bring the ball up against a press defense.

Maybe but it's a big picture thing. Who is going to be Purdues Kemba? Napier, Tyus Jones, Clayton, Guy etc. It is Smith. When the bright lights are on, it's gotta be Smith.

 

[spoilerdave]

Maybe but it's a big picture thing. Who is going to be Purdues Kemba? Napier, Tyus Jones, Clayton, Guy etc. It is Smith. When the bright lights are on, it's gotta be Smith.

Having the help will make crunch time even better because Braden will still have his legs and his lungs. It's a lot to go 40 minutes and carry the ball up, setup plays and be expected to score all while being double teamed. I want the ball in his hand if it's late and/or close but he should be fresher with the extra backup

 

[jindy]

I believe the defense will be improved simply due to the return of Jacobsen(and addition of Cluff). Having at least the threat of a shot blocking big will take some pressure off of the guards and make the on-ball pressure of guys like Cox and Harris even better. Should also help reduce pressure(and number of fouls) that Kaufman-Renn has on the defensive end.

In my opinion losing Jacobsen early last season made a huge difference on the defense. I believe simply not having his 7'+ presence there made a difference in multiple games.

 

[Bleedinggoldandblack]

Having the help will make crunch time even better because Braden will still have his legs and his lungs. It's a lot to go 40 minutes and carry the ball up, setup plays and be expected to score all while being double teamed. I want the ball in his hand if it's late and/or close but he should be fresher with the extra backup

I think the double team on Braden is drastically reduced with Cluff/Jacobsen and all the 3 pt guns we will have, hate to play us on a hot night , which may be a lot.

 

[qazplm]

Maybe but it's a big picture thing. Who is going to be Purdues Kemba? Napier, Tyus Jones, Clayton, Guy etc. It is Smith. When the bright lights are on, it's gotta be Smith.

No, and this tells me you haven't watched a lot of Purdue basketball.

Last year's team had more than Smith show up in crunch time. Smith isn't taking over a game by himself, that's not how he works. He elevates everyone else. Doesn't mean there aren't going to be games where we need 20+ pts from him, but he can win games without doing that too.

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

No, and this tells me you haven't watched a lot of Purdue basketball.

Last year's team had more than Smith show up in crunch time. Smith isn't taking over a game by himself, that's not how he works. He elevates everyone else. Doesn't mean there aren't going to be games where we need 20+ pts from him, but he can win games without doing that too.

And where did that get Purdue? Do you want to win a national title or no? Braden Smith has to be able to take over.

 

[Roeder]

I believe the defense will be improved simply due to the return of Jacobsen(and addition of Cluff). Having at least the threat of a shot blocking big will take some pressure off of the guards and make the on-ball pressure of guys like Cox and Harris even better. Should also help reduce pressure(and number of fouls) that Kaufman-Renn has on the defensive end.

In my opinion losing Jacobsen early last season made a huge difference on the defense. I believe simply not having his 7'+ presence there made a difference in multiple games.

I think people forget how good Jacobson is. People are penciling in Cluff at the 5 and I'm not so sure.

Jacobson played over Morez Johnson and Dukes projected starting center on team USA. 5 star Jayden Quintence, Kentuckys big portal center addition, didn't even make that team.

Yes he is inexperienced, but giving Jacobson minutes and letting him grow gives Purdue best shot at reaching ceiling by march. Hopefully that leg is good to go.

 

[jindy]

I think people forget how good Jacobson is. People are penciling in Cluff at the 5 and I'm not so sure.

Jacobson played over Morez Johnson and Dukes projected starting center on team USA. 5 star Jayden Quintence, Kentuckys big portal center addition, didn't even make that team.

Yes he is inexperienced, but giving Jacobson minutes and letting him grow gives Purdue best shot at reaching ceiling by march. Hopefully that leg is good to go.

Agree. I believe the starting lineup in Purdue's season opener will include the big 3 plus Jacobsen and Cox. Ben and CJ having a year in the system(even with Jacobsen missing almost all games) will make a big difference. Nothing at all against the new guys, just believe it will take some time for them to acclimate.

 

[northside100]

I think people forget how good Jacobson is. People are penciling in Cluff at the 5 and I'm not so sure.

Jacobson played over Morez Johnson and Dukes projected starting center on team USA. 5 star Jayden Quintence, Kentuckys big portal center addition, didn't even make that team.

Yes he is inexperienced, but giving Jacobson minutes and letting him grow gives Purdue best shot at reaching ceiling by march. Hopefully that leg is good to go.

May be a hot take but I think DJ will be better this year for having missed the season versus had he played. Tough to add weight playing a 35 game season.

 

[BoilerAndy]

May be a hot take but I think DJ will be better this year for having missed the season versus had he played. Tough to add weight playing a 35 game season.

Gillis was very good coming off his RS year getting his body ready.

 

[Boileratthebeach]

Average 23 3pt attempts a game. Peaked around 22 Carson’s last year I believe.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

And where did that get Purdue? Do you want to win a national title or no? Braden Smith has to be able to take over.

I think that Purdue will be much tougher to stop if Braden does not have to carry the team to the same extent. This is not to take away from Braden who I think is the best point guard in the country, but if he can pass out of double teams before they happen with, for example, Mayer then leading what amounts to a 4 on 3, it’s going to make it that much harder to defend Smith.

Back to the OP, I really see health as the biggest key. If this team stays healthy, I see a #1 seed and then it is all about consistency for 6 games in a row.

 

[northside100]

I think that Purdue will be much tougher to stop if Braden does not have to carry the team to the same extent. This is not to take away from Braden who I think is the best point guard in the country, but if he can pass out of double teams before they happen with, for example, Mayer then leading what amounts to a 4 on 3, it’s going to make it that much harder to defend Smith.

Back to the OP, I really see health as the biggest key. If this team stays healthy, I see a #1 seed and then it is all about consistency for 6 games in a row.

Agree. If this team stays healthy they will be really good. All the other questions (defense, offensive consistency, etc.) will determine where the team falls between 'really good' and prohibitive NC favorites.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

What they have to do is win six games in the ncaa tournament. Piece of cake...

thought of THIS after i'd typed my response. WD

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

I think that Purdue will be much tougher to stop if Braden does not have to carry the team to the same extent. This is not to take away from Braden who I think is the best point guard in the country, but if he can pass out of double teams before they happen with, for example, Mayer then leading what amounts to a 4 on 3, it’s going to make it that much harder to defend Smith.

Back to the OP, I really see health as the biggest key. If this team stays healthy, I see a #1 seed and then it is all about consistency for 6 games in a row.

This. Got to lesson the load on Braden. I think they have already shown their intention in that direction.

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

This. Got to lesson the load on Braden. I think they have already shown their intention in that direction.

"Depth" is probably one of the most overrated things in college basketball. By the time the tourney rolls around and in the tourney, most teams are keeping the rotation as short as possible at about 8 and maybe 9. Throughout the season, if Purdues depth turns out to be as projected, it should give Smith some rest. Blow some teams out and have him play 20 minutes. Might hurt his numbers a little but it's what Duke did with Flagg this past season(still won NPOY). Starters just gotta come out guns blazing and give themselves some needed rest. Then come tourney ime, Smith can play 38 minutes without a problem. Smith played 37mpg this past season but he might be able to drop down to 32 or 33 this season for the regular season. But depth come March/April is completely overrated because that depth(guys 9, 10, 11, 12) all end watching from the bench for the most part. I'd say by NCAA tourney time Purdue is looking at Smith, Cox, Harris, Loyer, TKR, Cluff, Jacobsen, Mayer/Murphy. That 8/9 spot will probably just depend on matchups for Painter.

 

[Bleedinggoldandblack]

"Depth" is probably one of the most overrated things in college basketball. By the time the tourney rolls around and in the tourney, most teams are keeping the rotation as short as possible at about 8 and maybe 9. Throughout the season, if Purdues depth turns out to be as projected, it should give Smith some rest. Blow some teams out and have him play 20 minutes. Might hurt his numbers a little but it's what Duke did with Flagg this past season(still won NPOY). Starters just gotta come out guns blazing and give themselves some needed rest. Then come tourney ime, Smith can play 38 minutes without a problem. Smith played 37mpg this past season but he might be able to drop down to 32 or 33 this season for the regular season. But depth come March/April is completely overrated because that depth(guys 9, 10, 11, 12) all end watching from the bench for the most part. I'd say by NCAA tourney time Purdue is looking at Smith, Cox, Harris, Loyer, TKR, Cluff, Jacobsen, Mayer/Murphy. That 8/9 spot will probably just depend on matchups for Painter.

One of the hardest things to learn is less can be more , especially with Braden he takes so much on his shoulders , you could really see that this year. A balanced group of 5 players on the floor versus 3 gives Braden a chance to breath , think , I think he'll be even better this coming year with group you've listed.

 

[qazplm]

And where did that get Purdue? Do you want to win a national title or no? Braden Smith has to be able to take over.

Like I said, you haven't watched much Purdue basketball.

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

Like I said, you haven't watched much Purdue basketball.

I've watched Purdue never win a title. And b I've watched other teams win titles. Basically all of those teams had something in common.

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

One of the hardest things to learn is less can be more , especially with Braden he takes so much on his shoulders , you could really see that this year. A balanced group of 5 players on the floor versus 3 gives Braden a chance to breath , think , I think he'll be even better this coming year with group you've listed.

The group around him will absolutely help. I've had that argument on Twitter with peeps recently who aren't sold on Purdue. But to me, Purdue is returning 2 of the 10 best players in the nation and that should bode pretty darned well for them and TKR shouldn't have to ever play the 5(though I still would depending on the matchups). But for me, if Purdues aspirations is winning a title, Smith has to that DUDE. The last 2 bigs to win the Final Four MVP were Sanago(?) from UConn and Anthony Davis. It's been all guards outside of that.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I've watched Purdue never win a title. And b I've watched other teams win titles. Basically all of those teams had something in common.

Most national championship teams do it with great players, but also some balance. As good as Clayton Jr was this year, Florida won the national championship this year with him scoring 11 points. The year before, UConn had a tremendously balanced team.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Most national championship teams do it with great players, but also some balance. As good as Clayton Jr was this year, Florida won the national championship this year with him scoring 11 points. The year before, UConn had a tremendously balanced team.

Florida got to the ship because of HIM, though. Without his performances prior, they don’t get there. Florida then won because of another guard taking the load off of Clayton, so it def will help with other talent around Braden.

UConn was very balanced. They won the NC and were as good as they were because of Tristan Newton running the show and by him scoring 20 vs us.

Braden absolutely will be THE guy next year and will be the main reason Purdue (hopefully) win it all.

However, him getting the overall assist record may be a bit tougher, but hopefully he gets a championship instead.

 

[Bank Shot Podcast]

Florida got to the ship because of HIM. Though. Without his performances prior, they don’t get there. Florida won because of another guard.

UConn was very balanced but they won the NC and were as good as they were because of Tristan Newton running the show and by scoring 20 vs us.

Braden absolutely will be THE guy next year and will be the main reason we (hopefully) win it all.

However, him getting the overall assist record may be a bit tougher, but hopefully he gets a championship instead.

Newton and Castle were very good for UConn. Really showed how much they missed that guard okay this season. A great guard can change an entire team.