Stephens' Skill Set

[depthcharge623]

I streamed the audio of the game last night, but was a little distracted and didn't follow too closely. To those who saw the first game, what did you think of Kendall's shot selection?

I like Stephens a lot, but one criticism I have had is that he doesn't really have any other skills in his set besides three point shooting. So I saw the box score from last night that he took 10 three point shots. Do we think that's a good number for him based on his minutes? Too many, too few? I understand A&T was playing a 2-3 zone and packing the paint so we were kind of forced to shoot. I'm glad he made 4-10, but still 10 seems high for even a player who is first and foremost a three point shooter.

I'd really like to see him add something else to his set. Was there evidence that he's been working on, or is being used for anything other than a set three point shot? I just worry with him being so one-dimensional that when his shot is off, he will be useless.

 

[FinallyABoilerFinal4]

The interesting thing about Stephens' and Cline's stat line from last night is that they shot the exact same number of 3's as they did in the exhibition game. 10 is too many in by game unless he's on fire. Painter needs to man up and set some limits. Keep in mind, the Final Four is played in Houston this year. Both of Gonzaga's guards shot over 40% from 3 last year but in their two Tourney games in Houston they combined for 2-19.

 

[lbodel]

I streamed the audio of the game last night, but was a little distracted and didn't follow too closely. To those who saw the first game, what did you think of Kendall's shot selection?

I like Stephens a lot, but one criticism I have had is that he doesn't really have any other skills in his set besides three point shooting. So I saw the box score from last night that he took 10 three point shots. Do we think that's a good number for him based on his minutes? Too many, too few? I understand A&T was playing a 2-3 zone and packing the paint so we were kind of forced to shoot. I'm glad he made 4-10, but still 10 seems high for even a player who is first and foremost a three point shooter.

I'd really like to see him add something else to his set. Was there evidence that he's been working on, or is being used for anything other than a set three point shot? I just worry with him being so one-dimensional that when his shot is off, he will be useless.

Yay, more critiques of Stephens. These aren't getting old.

Purdue needs to shoot fewer 3s, but they also stated after the game they wanted them to.

Stephens actually made a concerted effort last year to do more than shoot 3s. He has shown an ability to do more than that.

But last night, even Haas didn't attempt a shot until close to halftime. If we aren't going to bigs, we wouldn't be looking at guards to go inside either.

 

[FinallyABoilerFinal4]

Just to re-emphasize that Stephens is shooting too many 3's, Kyle Korver who starts for the Atlanta Hawks who have been one of the 5 best NBA teams the last 2 years, hasn't shot more than 6 threes any game this year. He led the NBA in 3-point % last year and he hasn't even sniffed 10 attempts.

Stephens is excellent at making passes that lead to scoring plays. I don't mind him on the court. He just needs to be put on a leash.

 

[depthcharge623]

I just scanned the first page of the forum and didn't see one single thread in all forty about Stephens. Is it impossible to respond to a thread without a passive aggressive comment?

 

[depthcharge623]

Just to re-emphasize that Stephens is shooting too many 3's, Kyle Korver who starts for the Atlanta Hawks who have been one of the 5 best NBA teams the last 2 years, hasn't shot more than 6 threes any game this year. He led the NBA in 3-point % last year and he hasn't even sniffed 10 attempts.

Stephens is excellent at making passes that lead to scoring plays. I don't mind him on the court. He just needs to be put on a leash.

Passing was pretty good last night then? Or were you speaking in general?

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I streamed the audio of the game last night, but was a little distracted and didn't follow too closely. To those who saw the first game, what did you think of Kendall's shot selection?

I like Stephens a lot, but one criticism I have had is that he doesn't really have any other skills in his set besides three point shooting. So I saw the box score from last night that he took 10 three point shots. Do we think that's a good number for him based on his minutes? Too many, too few? I understand A&T was playing a 2-3 zone and packing the paint so we were kind of forced to shoot. I'm glad he made 4-10, but still 10 seems high for even a player who is first and foremost a three point shooter.

I'd really like to see him add something else to his set. Was there evidence that he's been working on, or is being used for anything other than a set three point shot? I just worry with him being so one-dimensional that when his shot is off, he will be useless.

I think that you have to be able to take what the defense concedes to you. Purdue shot NC A&T out of their tight zone yesterday, which was exactly what they'll need to do all season to force defenses to defend the perimeter.

Painter doesn't have Purdue shoot too many threes. Purdue was 12th in the conference in three point attempts per game last season. Purdue's shooters need to shoot when they are open, IMO.

 

[Boilers1975]

I don't feel like Stephens or Cline forced any 3's...The defense was giving them the shots, I would expect Painter would want them to take those shots. 40% from the 3 line is very good imo.

 

[boilerzz]

The interesting thing about Stephens' and Cline's stat line from last night is that they shot the exact same number of 3's as they did in the exhibition game. 10 is too many in by game unless he's on fire. Painter needs to man up and set some limits. Keep in mind, the Final Four is played in Houston this year. Both of Gonzaga's guards shot over 40% from 3 last year but in their two Tourney games in Houston they combined for 2-19.

I'm really glad you aren't our coach. Anyone who lets a box score determine good or bad decisions is comical.

 

[BoilermakerBrian]

I'm fine with the team shooting a lot of 3s vs the cupcakes. We could struggle this year if Teams are allowed to pack it in on D. My guess is Painter specifically wants some film out there of us shooting and hitting 3s so that teams need to defend tgat

 

[depthcharge623]

I'm fine with the team shooting a lot of 3s vs the cupcakes. We could struggle this year if Teams are allowed to pack it in on D. My guess is Painter specifically wants some film out there of us shooting and hitting 3s so that teams need to defend tgat

That's a good point.

 

[FinallyABoilerFinal4]

I think that you have to be able to take what the defense concedes to you. Purdue shot NC A&T out of their tight zone yesterday, which was exactly what they'll need to do all season to force defenses to defend the perimeter.

Painter doesn't have Purdue shoot too many threes. Purdue was 12th in the conference in three point attempts per game last season. Purdue's shooters need to shoot when they are open, IMO.

Purdue shot 26 threes against Cincinnati last year. Wisconsin didn't shoot more more than 21 threes in the Sweet 16, Elite 8, or Championship game. There's a reason that they had the most efficient offense in the country. A relatively open, relatively in rhythm three is relatively efficient. Elite offenses only take shots that have elite probability of going in. 10 threes is too many for Stephens. I'll keep using facts and reality, you keep using feelings.

 

[tjreese]

I streamed the audio of the game last night, but was a little distracted and didn't follow too closely. To those who saw the first game, what did you think of Kendall's shot selection?

I like Stephens a lot, but one criticism I have had is that he doesn't really have any other skills in his set besides three point shooting. So I saw the box score from last night that he took 10 three point shots. Do we think that's a good number for him based on his minutes? Too many, too few? I understand A&T was playing a 2-3 zone and packing the paint so we were kind of forced to shoot. I'm glad he made 4-10, but still 10 seems high for even a player who is first and foremost a three point shooter.

I'd really like to see him add something else to his set. Was there evidence that he's been working on, or is being used for anything other than a set three point shot? I just worry with him being so one-dimensional that when his shot is off, he will be useless.

It was not real clear for the things I was watching if NC A&T were playing man/zone, matchup or straight up with some modified rules. I did catch the first time Haas went out they went to a 1-2-2 since they didn't think they had to cover the inside and wanted to cover the outside. IMO, Stephens "maybe" shot too many 3's. I say maybe because they were open shots and he was set other than one time. Generally they were good shots, but too early in the offense. If Purdue shows patience they will get open threes all night if teams are going to plug the inside like they were. Why be in a hurry? THAT leads to quick transition baskets for the other team. I say maybe, because Kendall might have taken 10 3's after a little clock and that would be fine...I just worry about quick shots since this team SHOULD be able to get a three anytime teams plug it up like they do. Teams will temp Purdue to take the easy way out...don't make it the first choice early in the clock as it should be there...and why sometimes a little penetration with the ball when they sag like that?

generally the shot selection was fine, but I'm leery of bad habits when someone was to sell fake gold. Teh shots were open with good ball movement, but I think a few came earlier in teh clock than I like

 

[lbodel]

I just scanned the first page of the forum and didn't see one single thread in all forty about Stephens. Is it impossible to respond to a thread without a passive aggressive comment?

Well, I didn't say threads. Over the past 10 or so days, we've gotten to talk about how he's so turnover prone, he isn't consistent, hopefully he doesn't have another slump of a year (never mind it was injury related), how Cline will take minutes from him cause he's sloppy, etc.

Secondly, pretty sure I did offer you an actual response. I said Purdue needs to shoot fewer 3s. In this game, the opponent packed inside and played a 2-3 zone. So you have to shoot. And I mean quite frankly, Kendall's shooting sparked the team.

But I don't know why Kendall gets singled out. It'd be one thing if he was 1-10. Take out his shots and Purdue still shot 21 3s. If you told me Kendall didn't play and we shot 21 3s, I'd be concerned.

Overall, if you were going to question last night's 3 point shooting, I'd question the entire team, not single one player out.

Read the postgame:

"Purdue made 38.7 percent from 3-point range, and its 31 attempts were more than in any game last season. Neither Swanigan nor sophomore center Isaac Haas had taken an official field goal attempt late in the first half.

All according to plan, Haas said.

“They were congesting the inside, but I was doing my role, keeping them occupied while opening up shots for my teammates,” said Haas, who along with Swanigan posted double-doubles inside.

“It was pretty satisfying to see those jumpers fall for Vince and Kendall and everyone else that was shooting them. If we keep doing that against teams that are going to pack it in against us, we’re going to be fine this year.”

 

[purduefan101]

Stephens and Cline were WIDE open for their shots last night. There was no forcing.

 

[depthcharge623]

It was not real clear for the things I was watching if NC A&T were playing man/zone, matchup or straight up with some modified rules. I did catch the first time Haas went out they went to a 1-2-2 since they didn't think they had to cover the inside and wanted to cover the outside. IMO, Stephens "maybe" shot too many 3's. I say maybe because they were open shots and he was set other than one time. Generally they were good shots, but too early in the offense. If Purdue shows patience they will get open threes all night if teams are going to plug the inside like they were. Why be in a hurry? THAT leads to quick transition baskets for the other team. I say maybe, because Kendall might have taken 10 3's after a little clock and that would be fine...I just worry about quick shots since this team SHOULD be able to get a three anytime teams plug it up like they do. Teams will temp Purdue to take the easy way out...don't make it the first choice early in the clock as it should be there...and why sometimes a little penetration with the ball when they sag like that?

generally the shot selection was fine, but I'm leery of bad habits when someone was to sell fake gold. Teh shots were open with good ball movement, but I think a few came earlier in teh clock than I like

That's what I remember seeing a couple times last year that I didn't like. Wide open is good, but that still doesn't mean it should be the team's first option. I recall seeing Stephens jack up some really long threes early in the shot clock last year. Granted he made some of them, so I'm not trying to say it's intrinsically a bad shot for him to take. But it seems like it would have been better to move the ball around a little and see if you can't get a higher percentage shot off. Obviously there will be different considerations now that the shot clock is slightly shorter, but in general I still think the three should be an option later in the shot clock, unless we are down quite a bit in a game.

 

[CRBoiler]

I think we took advantage of open shot opportunities mostly last night, but I agree there was a time or two when we shot a bomb too early in the clock... Need to keep looking inside. Then again, if they keep giving sharpshooters open 3's....

What is the stat that normalizes FT's, 2-pointers, and 3-points? Points per possession? Logically, that's the thing to maximize, right? If the opposing team is respecting our 3-point shooters by guarding them out deep, then we should have the space to get passes into our bigs who should shoot ~60% from in there if you count rebounds/put backs. If the other team packs the interior & prevents passes to the bigs, then our deep shooters who hit ~40% of open 3's should have open shot opportunities, and they should shoot them. And when we start playing better teams that can cover inside and outside, that's when it's time to "Move! Move!" -->I think Ryan Cline might become a go-to then based on Coach Painter's comments.

 

[lbodel]

That's what I remember seeing a couple times last year that I didn't like. Wide open is good, but that still doesn't mean it should be the team's first option. I recall seeing Stephens jack up some really long threes early in the shot clock last year. Granted he made some of them, so I'm not trying to say it's intrinsically a bad shot for him to take. But it seems like it would have been better to move the ball around a little and see if you can't get a higher percentage shot off. Obviously there will be different considerations now that the shot clock is slightly shorter, but in general I still think the three should be an option later in the shot clock, unless we are down quite a bit in a game.

Every guard on the team shot ill-advised 3s last year. Again, I don't know why you're singling him out.

Swanigan shot more 3s last night than he did shots inside the arc last night, but you haven't mentioned that once. Is that what you want from a 4? Probably not.

 

[depthcharge623]

Every guard on the team shot ill-advised 3s last year. Again, I don't know why you're singling him out.

Swanigan shot more 3s last night than he did shots inside the arc last night, but you haven't mentioned that once. Is that what you want from a 4? Probably not.

Your defensiveness is hilarious. If I had wanted to talk about Swanigan, I would have started a thread on Swanigan. But right now I want to talk about Stephens. So how 'bout we stay on topic, eh?

 

[Heller]

Your defensiveness is hilarious. If I had wanted to talk about Swanigan, I would have started a thread on Swanigan. But right now I want to talk about Stephens. So how 'bout we stay on topic, eh?

Okay. Several of Stephens threes came from the corner and were the result of plays set to have him shoot that shot. Should I mention that is likely the most difficult shot on the floor for anyone? Kendall did well last night. At one point he was playing the 4 in a small ball lineup. In fact he played the 2,3&4 last night.

 

[FinallyABoilerFinal4]

Stephens and Cline were WIDE open for their shots last night. There was no forcing.

In the Finals 3 years ago, when the Cavs beat the Spurs, the Spurs were standing at least 3 feet away from Lebron when he was outside the arc. He ended up taking 10 threes in 45 minutes. If efficient offense was simply shooting a 3 every time a defender is playing off you, then he would have shot 30 threes that game. I'm sure there are some players in the country who shoot well enough from behind the arc that they have an infinite green light with any separation. Steph Curry is one. Kendall Stephens is not.

 

[depthcharge623]

Okay. Several of Stephens threes came from the corner and were the result of plays set to have him shoot that shot. Should I mention that is likely the most difficult shot on the floor for anyone? Kendall did well last night. At one point he was playing the 4 in a small ball lineup. In fact he played the 2,3&4 last night.

It's great that he has that much versatility. It surprises me that we would have him at the 4 given our bigs, but I guess it was probably special circumstances since Hammons wasn't playing? Or maybe they want to get some reps in case a matchup down the road favors the small ball lineup.

 

[proudopete]

It's great that he has that much versatility. It surprises me that we would have him at the 4 given our bigs, but I guess it was probably special circumstances since Hammons wasn't playing? Or maybe they want to get some reps in case a matchup down the road favors the small ball lineup.

Painter put him at the 4 with Mathias at the 3 and Cline at the 2 and PJ at point with Haas.

That's a nice bench squad right there.

 

[BoilermakerBrian]

Sigh, it seems like KS will win the award for the player everyone is going to gang up on this year. He's a good player. I'll wait to see if he throws up ill-advised shots in a close game before placing judgement.

 

[lbodel]

Your defensiveness is hilarious. If I had wanted to talk about Swanigan, I would have started a thread on Swanigan. But right now I want to talk about Stephens. So how 'bout we stay on topic, eh?

Yeah, how many people have to tell you you're complaints are over the top? My original reply to your post stated that given the situation, he did what he was supposed to. My second reply gave straight up quotes from postgame saying so. I have stated multiple times that Purdue shot too many 3s last year AS A TEAM - if you'd like to see an example I'm sure I can find one. You're posting again and again taking digs at Stephens and you clearly didn't see the game.

 

[depthcharge623]

Sigh, it seems like KS will win the award for the player everyone is going to gang up on this year. He's a good player. I'll wait to see if he throws up ill-advised shots in a close game before placing judgement.

Since when does discussing one potential criticism constitute "ganging up?" I said I like him. I acknowledged several things in this thread that he does really well. There's nothing to discuss there because everyone agrees he does those things well. If you'd rather this forum be an echo chamber of everyone just repeating that every single player on the Boilers is perfect, then I guess I'll go find another forum where people want to actually discuss things.

 

[BoilermakerBrian]

I'm not saying it's all you..I'm just seeing this trend forming that the arrows are going to be pointing at KS this year.

 

[reswat]

Points Per Possession:
For those 10 possessions that Kendall shot, Purdue got 12 points. So, the Points Per Possession was at least 1.2.
Assume for arguments sake that we offensively rebounded two of those misses, and on one of those rebounds, we scored two more points. So, that would mean the Points Per Possession on those ten possessions was 1.4

I just looked it up and Purdue was ranked Number 32 in the country last year with a PPP score of 1.168. So, 1.4 would be huge improvement over last year. In fact, that would rank us Number 2 in the whole country.

So, if Kendall continues to shoot at a rate of 40%, then 10 threes is not too much. In fact, if he could keep that rate up, then I hope he takes 100 threes per game.

 

[depthcharge623]

TBH, whether or not Stephens takes too many 3PA was only a side question anyways. The main question I had, as is evident from the thread title, was whether it looked like he had added anything to his skill set in the off season?

 

[CRBoiler]

TBH, whether or not Stephens takes too many 3PA was only a side question anyways. The main question I had, as is evident from the thread title, was whether it looked like he had added anything to his skill set in the off season?

I think yes. He looked quick, smooth, and in rhythm when he dribbled in and hit that 2-pt jumper on the left side. He looked really good on D with his length and positioning... He has improved considerably in these and other ways since he was a freshman. Mainly, he looks healthy... We get to see how he can play with his body at 100% and with 2 years of experience. Should be fun to watch if yesterday is any indication. And I say all this while still feeling he has room to improve -- specifically focus & awareness when making passes and also shot selection, especially early in the clock.

 

[tjreese]

Stephens and Cline were WIDE open for their shots last night. There was no forcing.

Who said they were forcing? I may have missed a few posts, but I don't think anyone said that players were forcing shots...

 

[Boiler Wolf]

Best play was when he faked the 3, drove and threw a pass to an open PJ who missed. Still a smart play. My only beef was he had a pass intercepted again. Not sure if it was all his fault though.

 

[tjreese]

Yeah, how many people have to tell you you're complaints are over the top? My original reply to your post stated that given the situation, he did what he was supposed to. My second reply gave straight up quotes from postgame saying so. I have stated multiple times that Purdue shot too many 3s last year AS A TEAM - if you'd like to see an example I'm sure I can find one. You're posting again and again taking digs at Stephens and you clearly didn't see the game.

So far, not one person has mentioned the potential problems of shooting 3's too early. I agree that Purdue may have shot too many 3s last night, but maybe not? I just never saw them probe long enough the defense to know the clock was running low and the 3 was there. Another poster recognized it shouldn't be the first option. I'm sure Matt would like for Purdue to be a machine that is smart and probes the defense and then takes the best option with the best person for that option. Unless Matt truly believes this team is best shooting 3's, that shouldn't be the first option. Some games it could be a major part of the game, but never the primary focus.

Now do we think that wide open 3's early in the clock are okay? Most shots are missed, that is just the way it is. The defense unless in full denial is typically in better rebounding position than the offense. One way of eliminating that advantage AND possibly getting better shots is to make the defense MOVE through player and ball movement. THAT cannot happen without player and ball movement and that eats some clock. That team was going to give the 3 ball. It would be there several times through the clock.

What happens when Purdue shoots 3's early...and misses? Track meet? I actually though Kendall took pretty good shots with one where he was a little lazy and never got his feet ready before the ball was passed. I just worry about habits and making a machine...

 

[tjreese]

Best play was when he faked the 3, drove and threw a pass to an open PJ who missed. Still a smart play. My only beef was he had a pass intercepted again. Not sure if it was all his fault though.

Yes that was his. Kendall gets very automatic sometimes. His ceiling is very high.

 

[70boiler]

Personally, I think Purdue's 3 point shooting tends toward being a bit subpar but I'm not coaching so...
NC A&T game provides an interesting statistical analysis though. Boilers were 24 of 53 overall from the field (.453), 12 of 22 inside the arc (.545, and 24 points), and 12 of 31 outside the arc (.387, and 36 points). If the 31 shots taken were taken inside the arc with the same success rate of .545 it would have yielded a return of 17 baskets or 34 points, a net loss of 2 points. However that direct proportional analysis would disregard any benefit of free throws and opponent foul problems derived from potential fouls. Just seems to me that the chance for return is probably somewhat higher with less 3 point attempts.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Purdue shot 26 threes against Cincinnati last year. Wisconsin didn't shoot more more than 21 threes in the Sweet 16, Elite 8, or Championship game. There's a reason that they had the most efficient offense in the country. A relatively open, relatively in rhythm three is relatively efficient. Elite offenses only take shots that have elite probability of going in. 10 threes is too many for Stephens. I'll keep using facts and reality, you keep using feelings.

Talk about cherry picking stats. Of course, teams like Duke, Kentucky, and Arizona (all with great size) were not going to concede the three point shot to a team like Wisconsin, so there was no reason for Wisconsin to take more than 21 threes. In Wisconsin's first NCAA game against Coastal Carolina, a team who had to pack it in against Wisconsin's size, the Badgers attempted 27 threes, one more than Purdue attempted against Cincinnati.

Purdue had many high quality shots against the Bearcats. They just didn't make them. Purdue isn't going to be able to make a deep NCAA tournament run by avoiding high quality 3 point shots. The only way that they are likely to make a deep run, IMO, is with a balanced offense that can force opponents to defend the perimeter and unclog the lane. When a team is daring them to shoot from outside, they need to make the opponent pay this time by hitting more of those open shots.

 

[DG10]

Well, I didn't say threads. Over the past 10 or so days, we've gotten to talk about how he's so turnover prone, he isn't consistent, hopefully he doesn't have another slump of a year (never mind it was injury related), how Cline will take minutes from him cause he's sloppy, etc.

Secondly, pretty sure I did offer you an actual response. I said Purdue needs to shoot fewer 3s. In this game, the opponent packed inside and played a 2-3 zone. So you have to shoot. And I mean quite frankly, Kendall's shooting sparked the team.

But I don't know why Kendall gets singled out. It'd be one thing if he was 1-10. Take out his shots and Purdue still shot 21 3s. If you told me Kendall didn't play and we shot 21 3s, I'd be concerned.

Overall, if you were going to question last night's 3 point shooting, I'd question the entire team, not single one player out.

Read the postgame:

"Purdue made 38.7 percent from 3-point range, and its 31 attempts were more than in any game last season. Neither Swanigan nor sophomore center Isaac Haas had taken an official field goal attempt late in the first half.

All according to plan, Haas said.

“They were congesting the inside, but I was doing my role, keeping them occupied while opening up shots for my teammates,” said Haas, who along with Swanigan posted double-doubles inside.

“It was pretty satisfying to see those jumpers fall for Vince and Kendall and everyone else that was shooting them. If we keep doing that against teams that are going to pack it in against us, we’re going to be fine this year.”

I think Kendall gets singled out for a couple of reasons...and several of them are what you covered in the initial paragraph of your post...and I think it is compounded in that he has not lived up to his billing (due to injuries or otherwise), as well as the fact that it seems like all he does is launch threes with no regard to where he is on the floor, time on the shot clock, etc.

He has terrible turnovers, seemingly at least one per game where he all but hands the ball to the opponent for a breakaway layup/dunk because he gets careless, and I think it was warranted based on his poor shot selection on Sunday that lead to his losing some minutes to Cline and the same thing early last night to suggest that he could lose minutes to Cline...heck, the mere fact that Cline is going to get minutes means some will come at the expense of Kendall likely.

Stephens has a lot of ability seemingly...he has never been the deadly shooter that we were lead to believe that he is/would be, and he has up to this point done little otherwise in terms of developing on the offensive end. He is long and athletic and should be at least an adequate on the defensive end (and he admittedly looked better at times on Sunday and again last night)...and those same traits should allow him to be an asset from a rebounding perspective (and hopefully he will be).

I would be pleased if he continued to be at least adequate on the defensive end (although I believe he could/should be more than that), if he did go to the bucket on occasion, if he was a bit better rebounder, if he shot 85% from the FT line and if he eliminated that inevitable one just brutal turnover a game out front. At this point in his career, I don't think it is all that likely that he will change his shot selection a great deal...I guess being pushed by and potentially losing minutes as a result of it to Cline might force him to make some adjustment, but ultimately, I would just like him to do the things that I had suggested and then be more consistent from three given his penchant for launching from out there.

 

[proudopete]

I think Kendall gets singled out for a couple of reasons...and several of them are what you covered in the initial paragraph of your post...and I think it is compounded in that he has not lived up to his billing (due to injuries or otherwise), as well as the fact that it seems like all he does is launch threes with no regard to where he is on the floor, time on the shot clock, etc.

He has terrible turnovers, seemingly at least one per game where he all but hands the ball to the opponent for a breakaway layup/dunk because he gets careless, and I think it was warranted based on his poor shot selection on Sunday that lead to his losing some minutes to Cline and the same thing early last night to suggest that he could lose minutes to Cline...heck, the mere fact that Cline is going to get minutes means some will come at the expense of Kendall likely.

Stephens has a lot of ability seemingly...he has never been the deadly shooter that we were lead to believe that he is/would be, and he has up to this point done little otherwise in terms of developing on the offensive end. He is long and athletic and should be at least an adequate on the defensive end (and he admittedly looked better at times on Sunday and again last night)...and those same traits should allow him to be an asset from a rebounding perspective (and hopefully he will be).

I would be pleased if he continued to be at least adequate on the defensive end (although I believe he could/should be more than that), if he did go to the bucket on occasion, if he was a bit better rebounder, if he shot 85% from the FT line and if he eliminated that inevitable one just brutal turnover a game out front. At this point in his career, I don't think it is all that likely that he will change his shot selection a great deal...I guess being pushed by and potentially losing minutes as a result of it to Cline might force him to make some adjustment, but ultimately, I would just like him to do the things that I had suggested and then be more consistent from three given his penchant for launching from out there.

Wow. Do you even watch the games?
It's not Stephens that is losing minutes to Cline. It's Mathias if anyone.
Kendall was the spark that gave us the big lead.
He did have a turnover on a quick pass that was easy to pick off as it was seen two passes away. But Edwards had the same thing happen to him and PJ as well. But I don't see anyone bringing it up.
Stephens is hardly "adequate" on the defensive end. That statement alone gave you away as either not watching the games or not understanding what you are seeing.
Stephens is also probably the best post feeder on the team and that alone will get him plenty of minutes.
Kendall has actually shown his ability to drive and score in each of the two games thus far this year.

I agree with others. He gets singled out and that's fine if that's the type of fan you want to be. But it's probably mostly due to ones personal expectations of what he would be and has little to do with what are the very respectable numbers that he provides.

Just being Everrettes' son and choosing Purdue, is enough for me to show the kid a little more respect then some on here show him. Good grief. The kid has been injured since before he arrived on campus and he so far has shown that he has worked on improving over the summer and looks to be a contributor on a stacked team.

 

[DG10]

Wow. Do you even watch the games?
It's not Stephens that is losing minutes to Cline. It's Mathias if anyone.
Kendall was the spark that gave us the big lead.
He did have a turnover on a quick pass that was easy to pick off as it was seen two passes away. But Edwards had the same thing happen to him and PJ as well. But I don't see anyone bringing it up.
Stephens is hardly "adequate" on the defensive end. That statement alone gave you away as either not watching the games or not understanding what you are seeing.
Stephens is also probably the best post feeder on the team and that alone will get him plenty of minutes.
Kendall has actually shown his ability to drive and score in each of the two games thus far this year.

I agree with others. He gets singled out and that's fine if that's the type of fan you want to be. But it's probably mostly due to ones personal expectations of what he would be and has little to do with what are the very respectable numbers that he provides.

Just being Everrettes' son and choosing Purdue, is enough for me to show the kid a little more respect then some on here show him. Good grief. The kid has been injured since before he arrived on campus and he so far has shown that he has worked on improving over the summer and looks to be a contributor on a stacked team.

Well, seeing as on both Sunday and last night that when Cline checked in, he checked in FOR Stephens (following a bad shot in each instance), I am pretty content with the assertion that he lost minutes to Cline...as he literally lost minutes to Cline (particularly in that Mathias was in the game last night at the same time).

Stephens actually is at best, adequate on the defensive end...he should be more than that certainly, and is capable of more than that I believe, but for the course of his career, he has been no more than that.

He has the ability and skills to be an all-conference caliber player as Matt Painter has stated on multiple occasions during his career...he has not even approached that status...if those are Painter's expectations, then I guess I don't feel bad expecting him to be better than he has been and playing at something close to that level...and I sure would love for it to happen...for him, and for Purdue. Being healthy (for the first time in a long time as you alluded to) is a great place to start...eliminating bad turnovers, knocking down free throws at a high percentage, being solid defensively and then knocking down threes at a consistently solid percentage will not only make him a contributor on a stacked team, but they could the difference in the the ultimate success of a stacked Purdue team.

 

[FinallyABoilerFinal4]

Talk about cherry picking stats. Of course, teams like Duke, Kentucky, and Arizona (all with great size) were not going to concede the three point shot to a team like Wisconsin, so there was no reason for Wisconsin to take more than 21 threes. In Wisconsin's first NCAA game against Coastal Carolina, a team who had to pack it in against Wisconsin's size, the Badgers attempted 27 threes, one more than Purdue attempted against Cincinnati.

The big difference would be that Purdue was in a dogfight with Cincinnati and Wisconsin was toying with Coastal Carolina in a game that was never even close to being in question. Oh, and the other bigger difference is that Wisconsin was arguably the best 3-point shooting team in the country and Purdue was average at best. Wisconsin had no more than 23 3-point attempts in any of their 5 meaningful Tournament games. So you picked stats from the one meaningless Tournament game and then accuse me of cherry picking stats? You are a deceitful dog, aren't you? Go fetch a real fact boy.