That was a nice diversion

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

Was really nice to see the new guys start positive. Couldn't ask for a better couple of first baskets than Trey in the lane, Myles for a lob dunk and Cam for a 3. it was exciting to see the lineup we always figured was the most talented on the floor together starting for the first time. Hopefully was the early branding of a new memorable team in in the post-Zach era. Nice win, everyone gets minutes, good stuff. Trey is looking like the guy Matt talked about now. Playing bigger too. I still like he and Furst together. Furst plays good D and has been our best "man" rebounder aside from Trey. Thought Big Red looked pretty good and looked more relaxed. Quicker too, as he will as he gets more real game experience. Hands were pretty quick grabbing that loose ball the one time.

 

[Boilerfla]

5 guys who can score! tough for teams to defend

Furst can be solid when bigger needed

Cox, Harris, Big Red, and Jacobsen coming along

Like that fun five!

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I think that Colvin and Heide’s athleticism is needed to compliment the other three who are collectively much higher in skill than in pure athleticism. The “Big 3” are probably more athletic than they get credit for and are all great basketball players, but throw a player like Berg in the mix and I feel like it is going to be tough for this group to reach it’s potential. I like Furst as the first sub with the three freshmen in the mix.

This is also possibly the best 3 point shooting lineup in the country. Thus far in the first 6 games combined, these 5 starters are combining for 48% from 3. I know that’s not sustainable, but I can see them matching the Dakota/Vince/PJ group to lead the nation in this category.

 

[Roeder]

Agreed.

Get the best 5 on the floor and let them get used to playing with one another. It will be fun to see Colvin and Heide grow this year.

Rebounding and rim protection will be struggle, but it was with the big lineup too. Might as well maximize the offensive and maybe change philosophy on D a bit and see if they can improve.

Harris and Berg looked more comfortable coming off the bench.

I like Furst getting more minutes too. He literally took 1.5 years off playing behind Edey. He is talented and once he knocks some rust off he will be a nice plus off the bench in B1G play. He's already getting better and love how he is getting to line and hitting FTs. He can high hedge on pick and roll on D too which will help offset not having rim protection with more pressure.

 

[Boiler Buck]

I still like he and Furst together. Furst plays good D and has been our best "man" rebounder aside from Trey.

Although Furst has shown the be a good rebounder in the past....but this year he is averaging less than 2R per game and most of our roster is averaging more R/game than he currently is.

 

[Roeder]

Although Furst has shown rebounding in the past he is averaging less than 2R per game and most of our roster is averaging more R/game than he currently is.

It is puzzling as he was a good rebounder in the past. Maybe others focusing on Edey/Trevion when he ws younger helped him out there to clean things up. Against Alabama he looked comfortable at walling off Cliff, so hopefully the production comes soon.

 

[boilernuke]

I hate to oversimplify, but if this Purdue team can manage to keep turnovers low and not get outrebounded, they can really win any game. Offense should really be able to score to keep the Boilers in any game regardless how the defense is performing. I feel that defense will continue to get better with this coaching staff and with the learning curve of the newer players.

 

[Roeder]

I hate to oversimplify, but if this Purdue team can manage to keep turnovers low and not get outrebounded, they can really win any game. Offense should really be able to score to keep the Boilers in any game regardless how the defense is performing. I feel that defense will continue to get better with this coaching staff and with the learning curve of the newer players.

Exactly. Low turnovers is the important more attainable one. Keeping the rebounds within 5 and not getting hammered will keep them in most games.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

Although Furst has shown the be a good rebounder in the past....but this year he is averaging less than 2R per game and most of our roster is averaging more R/game than he currently is.

It's the contested rebounds that really count. Wait and see who plays when the going gets tough.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

I hate to oversimplify, but if this Purdue team can manage to keep turnovers low and not get outrebounded, they can really win any game. Offense should really be able to score to keep the Boilers in any game regardless how the defense is performing. I feel that defense will continue to get better with this coaching staff and with the learning curve of the newer players.

Yep it’s what Paint stresses the most! What’s the stat he said…something like when Purdue has lower than 9 turnovers and the rebounding battle (I think he also said this), their record is something ridiculous like 100-3 (ok not exactly that but they have won a WHOLE lot and lost very few). I need to go find it and report back 😂

 

[BoilerMaker P]

It’s just as simple as play every game like the Alabama game. Lol.

I can see them in the film room and coaches saying “You see that? Do that.”

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

It’s just as simple as play every game like the Alabama game. Lol.

I can see them in the film room and coaches saying “You see that? Do that.”

Haha right? But I think we also are going to find out that Alabama doesn’t play defense and isn’t good prep for what’s about to come in the B1G (but nothing really is haha).

On the topic of Alabama…I may just…say this as an unpopular opinion….i don’t think they get out of the second weekend this year 😮

 

[tjreese]

Yep it’s what Paint stresses the most! What’s the stat he said…something like when Purdue has lower than 9 turnovers and the rebounding battle (I think he also said this), their record is something ridiculous like 100-3 (ok not exactly that but they have won a WHOLE lot and lost very few). I need to go find it and report back 😂

and vertical passes stolen typically are not as hurtful as horizontal passes stolen that go for uncontested shots many times. Both take away a potential offensive play.

 

[Bleedinggoldandblack]

I hate to oversimplify, but if this Purdue team can manage to keep turnovers low and not get outrebounded, they can really win any game. Offense should really be able to score to keep the Boilers in any game regardless how the defense is performing. I feel that defense will continue to get better with this coaching staff and with the learning curve of the newer players.

There in is the 'work needed', still need to pick up the pace against pressure, drive to the basket !, stop playing half court dribble and pass .

 

[Purdue79fan]

Don't understand not having a plan in place to attack pressure! Most younger people don't know that John Wooden's UCLA teams typically used a full court press from tip to buzzer regardless of personnel. His first NC was notable for all starters 6'5" or shorter and later used basically the same press with Alcindor and Walton. As such, his teams also ran a "Press Break Offense" with typically the 4 taking the ball out of bounds: 1, 2, & 5 running plays to get the ball near the opponents basket with the 3 trying to get open for a long pass. Wooden's teams liked to score .

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Don't understand not having a plan in place to attack pressure! Most younger people don't know that John Wooden's UCLA teams typically used a full court press from tip to buzzer regardless of personnel. His first NC was notable for all starters 6'5" or shorter and later used basically the same press with Alcindor and Walton. As such, his teams also ran a "Press Break Offense" with typically the 4 taking the ball out of bounds: 1, 2, & 5 running plays to get the ball near the opponents basket with the 3 trying to get open for a long pass. Wooden's teams liked to score .

I agree, I wish we’d attack the press more and not pull it back so much. Maybe that’ll change?

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I agree, I wish we’d attack the press more and not pull it back so much. Maybe that’ll change?

I think that the new starting lineup is well equipped to do so. I feel like it has the potential to take advantage of opportunities or pull it back and run its offense if nothing is there. I can see a lot of transition threes with this group in addition to being able to attack the rim.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

I think that the new starting lineup is well equipped to do so. I feel like it has the potential to take advantage of opportunities or pull it back and run its offense if nothing is there. I can see a lot of transition threes with this group in addition to being able to attack the rim.

I hope. Smith tends to pull back and let us get set and then we run clock to get into our offense. We have the shooters and athletes to attack it, so why not do so? Not saying every time obviously, but take our chances.

Auburn is going to press the $^*% out of us and test us the WHOLE game. Our backcourt is going to have to be ready/grow up quick to handle that all game.

 

[tjreese]

I think that the new starting lineup is well equipped to do so. I feel like it has the potential to take advantage of opportunities or pull it back and run its offense if nothing is there. I can see a lot of transition threes with this group in addition to being able to attack the rim.

I believe that if it is a zone press with the intent to turn you over, Purdue will attack. If it is a zone press eating clock, I doubt Purdue is instructed to push it into a trap. If it a man full press, Purdue will be sped up if the other team has the 1,2&3 more athletic than Purdue. If they don't have sufficient players that can provide pressure in man, Purdue will just force (if needed) the opposition player weaker on D to end up defending the ball across half court. I think we will continue to see Braden push the ball and probe as you suggest as Purdue wants to put offensive pressure on the opposition and when not there as you say...then Trey is more of a focus.

I've known for a couple of years the pace would be quicker in life after Zach and I believe we will see that. All said there are many teams more athletic than Purdue and those teams may want to bring pressure. Matt picks skill first and foremost in the battle of athlete versus skill. Myles and Cam are athletic...Trey and Fletch are not. Braden is more athletic than some would believe, but that too is not his strength although he is more athletic than many his size. I'm not particularly worried about playing another Marquette team since Purdue is still getting new blood minutes and working out how this team plays, rotations and all the things we enjoy developing over the season. As horrible as Purdue played, they were still in it with 6 or so minutes to go on the visitor's court. Cam and Myles as well as the freshmen are limited in experience for their "new" or "expanded" roles.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

I believe that if it is a zone press with the intent to turn you over, Purdue will attack. If it is a zone press eating clock, I doubt Purdue is instructed to push it into a trap. If it a man full press, Purdue will be sped up if the other team has the 1,2&3 more athletic than Purdue. If they don't have sufficient players that can provide pressure in man, Purdue will just force (if needed) the opposition player weaker on D to end up defending the ball across half court. I think we will continue to see Braden push the ball and probe as you suggest as Purdue wants to put offensive pressure on the opposition and when not there as you say...then Trey is more of a focus.

I've known for a couple of years the pace would be quicker in life after Zach and I believe we will see that. All said there are many teams more athletic than Purdue and those teams may want to bring pressure. Matt picks skill first and foremost in the battle of athlete versus skill. Myles and Cam are athletic...Trey and Fletch are not. Braden is more athletic than some would believe, but that too is not his strength although he is more athletic than many his size. I'm not particularly worried about playing another Marquette team since Purdue is still getting new blood minutes and working out how this team plays, rotations and all the things we enjoy developing over the season. As horrible as Purdue played, they were still in it with 6 or so minutes to go on the visitor's court. Cam and Myles as well as the freshmen are limited in experience for their "new" or "expanded" roles.

I sure hope you’re right, TJ!

 

[tjreese]

I sure hope you’re right, TJ!

Said a lot of things and not sure of a particular you hope I'm right, but if I'm not, we still have the team we have. My biggest concern as always is stopping dribble (first) and pass (second) penetration into the lane. Getting better at that will help the defensive rebounding and ultimately lower the opposition FG% I believe...and lower their FT attempts. Most everyone knew the most potent offensive team and it appears that will be more in play. That said, rotations will be developed. Together, Cox and Harris should be able to handle the ball when Braden is out, but no doubt the offense will stagnate some without Braden. Course "if" a team is pressing hard there should be less of a need to run an offense enabling Harris and Cox to be more effective "IF" they don't turn it over. If the opposition is not pressing hard full or 3/4 court, then the potential issues remain. Half court pressure can still be a problem though. Still, Matt does not want the other team to make a run due to not having enough offense on the court and so the current five creates more questions about who is coming off the bench and when. I don't believe Matt wants the current five playing so many minutes as an attempt to reduce the sub times as he expects movement on O and D and fresher bodies.

The single best thing or pleasant surprise from the last game and a small amount against Marquette is Myles attacking the basket. IMO, that is HUGE! It will add a player to the list capable of getting inside the lane on his own, making it harder for Myles to be defended rather than the spot shooter he was last year. Kudos to him for his improvement!

I'm of the belief that turnovers are the result of your team on offense rather than the defense of the other team. Naturally, the opposition has a say on that and tries to make it difficult. Purdue still has choices and one is to NOT throw it to a teammate that has another defending him in passing lane...which Purdue did. The other correctable thing is to develop better timing in coming off screens as well as setting up or sealing the defender in a way that puts him a step behind you preventing him from blowing up the screen. Unfortunately the handoffs at the top of the key resulting from a hard, high hedge while not being as worried about a quick slip/roll from the 5 pushes Braden out farther due to him going as fast as he does fearful of getting an offensive foul into the D 5 man. If the screener becomes more and more a threat, they can't double and/or blow up that screen. Should or could we see more wings ball screening? Ultimately, I want to believe this team will improve and defensive pressure effectiveness will diminish.

 

[Do Dah Day]

The other correctable thing is to develop better timing in coming off screens as well as setting up or sealing the defender in a way that puts him a step behind you preventing him from blowing up the screen. Unfortunately the handoffs at the top of the key resulting from a hard, high hedge while not being as worried about a quick slip/roll from the 5 pushes Braden out farther due to him going as fast as he does fearful of getting an offensive foul into the D 5 man. If the screener becomes more and more a threat, they can't double and/or blow up that screen. Should or could we see more wings ball screening? Ultimately, I want to believe this team will improve and defensive pressure effectiveness will diminish.

I screamed a few times: "Don't release so soon!" The hedging did work well and there could have been some fouls for a moving screen, but still. -- Do you think there could have been successful reverse screens following the 1st one?

 

[tjreese]

I screamed a few times: "Don't release so soon!" The hedging did work well and there could have been some fouls for a moving screen, but still. -- Do you think there could have been successful reverse screens following the 1st one?

I think back screens and back cuts more than token clear outs could be used more...particularly with the passing Trey has shown out of the high post. Releasing too soon as you said allows the D to catch back up since the passer is not ready to pass it. It comes down as you know to timing and positioning (of the screener and the one using the screen). Both of those can and should improve.

Matt wants pressure on the ball even after jamming the ball to eat clock, but many times he depends "more" on the team D or shell and positioning than recruiting players for their individual D abilities and it has served Purdue well even if it runs into difficulty at times. Since Purdue is not an in your face denial team, it suggest the possibility that Purdue doesn't get the reps in practice to against pressure to make backscreens embedded in the DNA...and of course with Haas and Zach it wasn't part of the repertoire very much and even with Trevion since his were mainly dives by the 4 man. Naturally the high post by physical location makes back screens more probable to enact IMO.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

Said a lot of things and not sure of a particular you hope I'm right, but if I'm not, we still have the team we have. My biggest concern as always is stopping dribble (first) and pass (second) penetration into the lane. Getting better at that will help the defensive rebounding and ultimately lower the opposition FG% I believe...and lower their FT attempts. Most everyone knew the most potent offensive team and it appears that will be more in play. That said, rotations will be developed. Together, Cox and Harris should be able to handle the ball when Braden is out, but no doubt the offense will stagnate some without Braden. Course "if" a team is pressing hard there should be less of a need to run an offense enabling Harris and Cox to be more effective "IF" they don't turn it over. If the opposition is not pressing hard full or 3/4 quart, then the potential issues remain. Half court pressure can still be a problem though. Still, Matt does not want the other team to make a run due to not having enough offense on the court and so the current five creates more questions about who is coming off the bench and when. I don't believe Matt wants the current five playing so many minutes as an attempt to reduce the sub times as he expects movement on O and D and fresher bodies.

The single best thing or pleasant surprise from the last game and a small amount against Marquette is Myles attacking the basket. IMO, that is HUGE! It will add a player to the list capable of getting inside the lane on his own, making it harder for Myles to be defended rather than the spot shooter he was last year. Kudos to him for his improvement!

I'm of the belief that turnovers are the result of your team on offense rather than the defense of the other team. Naturally, the opposition has a say on that and tries to make it difficult. Purdue still has choices and one is to NOT throw it to a teammate that has another defending him in passing lane...which Purdue did. The other correctable thing is to develop better timing in coming off screens as well as setting up or sealing the defender in a way that puts him a step behind you preventing him from blowing up the screen. Unfortunately the handoffs at the top of the key resulting from a hard, high hedge while not being as worried about a quick slip/roll from the 5 pushes Braden out farther due to him going as fast as he does fearful of getting an offensive foul into the D 5 man. If the screener becomes more and more a threat, they can't double and/or blow up that screen. Should or could we see more wings ball screening? Ultimately, I want to believe this team will improve and defensive pressure effectiveness will diminish.

Agreed the forwards pick and popping would relieve some of the pressure pushing us out to the 3 line 1/2 the time. And both capable of making them pay. Both Myles and Cam would benefit from the big boy rule. If you are in the paint, attempt to dunk it. I'm really excited for both of them. They have a huge opportunity as teams scheme to take Braden and Fletch out of their games and double at times on Trey. Mid range, back doors, lobs, it's all there for them if they get open and shoot it like they can. Defense and rebounding remain big question marks, but some less already with Myles improvement on D.
The O end is certainly intriguing.