The Iowa loss still stings but ...

[delish1]

I don't think my opinion of this team has changed much when looking at the whole body of work. Purdue is somewhere in the 8 to 15 range nationally. Not elite but close enough to be a final four contender if things break right (i.e. shoot well enough to beat the most athletic teams).

I think this team got caught by Minnesota and Iowa's best shot and couldn't quite overcome it (although was just a shot or two away in both situations). It does take a different mentality to be the target for talented underdog teams and win. I'm hoping this team has learned that lesson at this point.

The Boilers are in a bad spot for winning the conference based on Wisconsin's schedule but I'd rather see the team learn from those losses and overcome in the tourney anyway. That's where the breakthrough needs to happen for the program and nothing I've seen suggests it can't happen for this team.

All but the elite teams suffer rough conference losses like Purdue has ... just look at WV last night. I'd like to see Purdue navigate the next 6 games with at least 4 wins, but things still appear to be in good shape for a successful season.

 

[Boiler Wolf]

My twenty twenty hindsight has me more upset with the Minnie home loss than the Iowa road loss for a few reasons. First, you have to protect your home court. Second, we only played Minnie once and Iowa twice. Third, a lot of good Purdue teams have lost in Iowa City. We never seem to bring it there.

Silver lining with Wisconsin is that we own the tie breaker. After watching Wisconsin struggle at home with Michigan, I think they will lose a few road games and we still have a shot if learned anything from our other losses.

 

[FLAG HUNTER]

Most teams that play Purdue this year have nothing to lose, they go balls out and its a signature win for them. Gonna be like that most games, gotta be ready every game.

 

[Boiler Buck]

The Boilers are in a bad spot for winning the conference based on Wisconsin's schedule but I'd rather see the team learn from those losses and overcome in the tourney anyway. That's where the breakthrough needs to happen for the program and nothing I've seen suggests it can't happen for this team.

Are you sure they can breakthrough & learn? I think they will continue to have dominate offensive performances mixed in with the poor defensive performances where we create a "one night All American" because Purdue has not shown yet it can learn, be flexible, and breakthrough on D problem....which causes these losses.

However, I sure hope you are 100% correct. Certainly the next 6 will tell the tale. If you are right & we learn...then we should win @ least 5. If I am correct, prob still 2, or more likely 3 losses in those six.

 

[FirstDownB]

Speaking of Iowa..
-3 tonight vs. the Terps
Hmm...

 

[delish1]

Are you sure they can breakthrough & learn? I think they will continue to have dominate offensive performances mixed in with the poor defensive performances where we create a "one night All American" because Purdue has not shown yet it can learn, be flexible, and breakthrough on D problem....which causes these losses.

However, I sure hope you are 100% correct. Certainly the next 6 will tell the tale. If you are right & we learn...then we should win @ least 5. If I am correct, prob still 2, or more likely 3 losses in those six.

I definitely do not know if they can or not. I wish I could say they would. I think it's a matter of adjusting in the moment. Such as getting the ball down low when 3s aren't falling (vs. Iowa even though I'd be shocked if they went 1-10 with that many good looks again) or spreading the court so C. Edwards can drive for buckets or passing lanes when things get tight (a skill many past Purdue teams haven't had and Edwards is still harnessing). Thinking about it more, C. Edwards' development is probably the biggest x-factor.

I'm not overly concerned with the "one night All-American" thing, especially with Jok because he is an all-american contender. Mason isn't as good but he is a good veteran player and you could tell he was locked in that day feeding off the crowd. Both of those guys made a lot of really tough low percentage shots.

If this team can win 5 of the next 6 with 3 tough road games @MSU, @Maryland and @IU, I would be at an unsafe level of excitement.

My perceived ceiling for this team may be unrealistic but at least Jerry Palm is in the same boat
http://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...et-new-final-four-picks-no-1-seeds-surprises/

 

[rgarlitz]

A few thoughts here:

1) IMO --- Purdue has a quality team this year, but I don't think it's a top-15 team. I'm not trying to be negative, but when I look at the wins and losses, I'm starting to think that 30s-ish RPI could be accurate.

2) I agree that defense seem to be the most obvious Achilles heal for this year's team --- similar to turnovers and streaky outside shooting last year. Several opponents (Minnesota, OSU, @Iowa) have gotten to the rim with alarming ease against Purdue since the B1G season opened. I'm sure teams will continue to attack the lane until Purdue (especially the guards and Haas) show they can stop it.

 

[boilernuke]

What is the advantage of the tie breaker? If we have the same number of losses wouldn't it be a co-championship anyway? It would impact the seeding in the BBT but I don't see much advantage from 1 vs 2 in the seeds.

 

[rgarlitz]

My perceived ceiling for this team may be unrealistic but at least Jerry Palm is in the same boat
http://www.cbssports.com/college-ba...et-new-final-four-picks-no-1-seeds-surprises/

Wow! Now THAT's a bold prediction.

I like it, but that's bold for a team that has not made the FF in 36 years, has not made the Elite Eight since 2000, has not made the Sweet 16 in the past six years, and is coming off back-to-back first round exits.

Kudo's to Jerry Palm for going out on the limb, though!

 

[boilernuke]

If this team can win 5 of the next 6 with 3 tough road games @MSU, @Maryland and @IU, I would be at an unsafe level of excitement.
/

Ok this made me LOL. Would be a heck of a job well done.

 

[cprh9u]

A few thoughts here:

1) IMO --- Purdue has a quality team this year, but I don't think it's a top-15 team. I'm not trying to be negative, but when I look at the wins and losses, I'm starting to think that 30s-ish RPI could be accurate.

2) I agree that defense seem to be the most obvious Achilles heal for this year's team --- similar to turnovers and streaky outside shooting last year. Several opponents (Minnesota, OSU, @Iowa) have gotten to the rim with alarming ease against Purdue since the B1G season opened. I'm sure teams will continue to attack the lane until Purdue (especially the guards and Haas) show they can stop it.

Agreed with both points, especially number one. I think we are top 25 or so, but 8 -15? Come on now.

 

[Chuchumutha]

Are you sure they can breakthrough & learn? I think they will continue to have dominate offensive performances mixed in with the poor defensive performances where we create a "one night All American" because Purdue has not shown yet it can learn, be flexible, and breakthrough on D problem....which causes these losses.

However, I sure hope you are 100% correct. Certainly the next 6 will tell the tale. If you are right & we learn...then we should win @ least 5. If I am correct, prob still 2, or more likely 3 losses in those six.

I would take 4 of the next 6 in a heartbeat. No questions asked.

 

[SDBoiler1]

Agreed with both points, especially number one. I think we are top 25 or so, but 8 -15? Come on now.

Would you feel any differently if Purdue was 16-3 (5-1 in BIG) right now instead of 15-4 (4-2)? If so, then you're not thinking clearly. There is no reason Purdue can't end up in the Top15 or better.

 

[rgarlitz]

Would you feel any differently if Purdue was 16-3 (5-1 in BIG) right now instead of 15-4 (4-2)? If so, then you're not thinking clearly. There is no reason Purdue can't end up in the Top15 or better.

I agree with the last sentence, but I don't follow the logic of the first two.

A Purdue team with a better record would have demonstrated an ability to win more games. No question people would think that team is better. Why wouldn't they? I don't doubt Purdue is capable of beating Minnesota and winning in Iowa City. But, the results are what they are. And that matters.

 

[Purdue0034]

Have to chime in here: I think we are a little underrated currently. We should be ranked about 16th IMO. No way, Florida or Notre Dame should be ranked ahead of us. Florida is not that good, believe me. I think we could contend for a final four but it is going to take nearly everyone playing lights out with ice water in their veins. Both Vince and Carsen need to bring it every game of the tournament and play their best. Outside shots from Dakota, PJ and Cline need to drop in consistently. Swanigan and Haas need to dominate the inside. Spike and Smotherman need to be factors too. If we can earn favorable seeding and the right match ups, I think it could happen. If everyone just plays good to average, we will be lucky to make it out of the first weekend. Its going to take an extraordinary effort by multiple players who believe in themselves! However it goes I am enjoying the season so far (except for the two big ten loses - those were not fun) and watching this team develop.

 

[krazyjvilled]

florida ranked as high as they are in the polls and the RPI is an absolute joke... another example of how bad the RPI is.. they have beat no one

 

[boilernuke]

Have to chime in here: I think we are a little underrated currently. We should be ranked about 16th IMO. No way, Florida or Notre Dame should be ranked ahead of us. Florida is not that good, believe me. I think we could contend for a final four but it is going to take nearly everyone playing lights out with ice water in their veins. Both Vince and Carsen need to bring it every game of the tournament and play their best. Outside shots from Dakota, PJ and Cline need to drop in consistently. Swanigan and Haas need to dominate the inside. Spike and Smotherman need to be factors too. If we can earn favorable seeding and the right match ups, I think it could happen. If everyone just plays good to average, we will be lucky to make it out of the first weekend. Its going to take an extraordinary effort by multiple players who believe in themselves! However it goes I am enjoying the season so far (except for the two big ten loses - those were not fun) and watching this team develop.

Kenpom has Purdue at 14 right now. Compared to the landscape of college bball right now, Purdue is a pretty good team. Every team has a couple of off nights or more. i like to think of it this way: if I were any team in the ncaa, are there 14 teams I'd rather play against than Purdue? Purdue's offense is scary and yes our defense has lapses, but there are many more pluses than minuses. If by some miracle Purdue makes it to the FF this year, there won't be too many people that will be utterly shocked. Great skill, great bigs, excellent 3 pt shooting, excellent ball sharing, well coached (despite what haters think). I'll still have a lot of fun watching the Boilers this season no matter what happens. Pretty good team.

 

[tjreese]

Kenpom has Purdue at 14 right now. Compared to the landscape of college bball right now, Purdue is a pretty good team. Every team has a couple of off nights or more. i like to think of it this way: if I were any team in the ncaa, are there 14 teams I'd rather play against than Purdue? Purdue's offense is scary and yes our defense has lapses, but there are many more pluses than minuses. If by some miracle Purdue makes it to the FF this year, there won't be too many people that will be utterly shocked. Great skill, great bigs, excellent 3 pt shooting, excellent ball sharing, well coached (despite what haters think). I'll still have a lot of fun watching the Boilers this season no matter what happens. Pretty good team.

****************
I agree with that. The defensive woes seen are essentially slower players overall and particularly at the 5 spot when problems arise. The other problem is unless enough intensity is there to beat your man to the screen, to force your man away from the screen and the alertness of the secondary rotation if hedging by the 5 and too slow to recover require effort and being tuned in. THAT is on the players and can be argued that less than needed effort has given rise to the deficiencies in those areas. Where I would like to see Matt adjust more is to not sell out on the player with the ball being that deadly of a shooter. I know he believes it is important to take that player out early and not let him get going, sometimes it also lets the others get going too easy. Sometimes players are just off a bit. None of this is to suggest Purdue gives up a wide open jumper, but there are times perhaps going behind the screen would be effective if caught in a bad position. If not, perhaps more of a really quick hedge to just a fraction of a second, but to cover the post diving to the basket. Also, good offense sets the D and improves the capabilities to defend from a team perspective rather than more individual play.

A lot of people talk…well zone and that drive isn’t there. The reason the drive is effective at times in the 1-5 is the result of the defense fearful of a jump shot. If lack of respect is given to the perimeter jump shot, that drive is less effective. If that same shooter is defended by a zone Purdue can’t force the other coach to not do a ball screen on the top of the zone either. Everything starts with how much respect do you give the guy with the ball to score on the perimeter.

 

[delish1]

Agreed with both points, especially number one. I think we are top 25 or so, but 8 -15? Come on now.

I'm curious how much college you watch other than purdue. Not trying to start anything, maybe I'm not seeing clearly.

I would say yes though. More toward the 15 end right now but with a ceiling of about 8. Right now purdue is 21st in ap poll but I think it's better than: florida, Cincinnati, wisconsin, ND, butler and Creighton (after losing best player Hummel style).

That puts them at 15. I think they could be better than virgina, baylor and Gonzaga but I haven't watch much of those teams yet.

The boilers' ceiling would put them above duke (messy duke without Jefferson), louisville, oregon, Florida st and Florida st.) That's the path to 8. I'm hopeful they can get hot at the right time and ride Swanigan to the final four, but it could end with a poor shooting night against an athletic team in the sweet 16.

 

[snowsquirrel11]

We pissed away our shot at the championship by losing those two games. Obviously they could still win out, but I don't see that as being likely. The issue for this team in March is that you will get everyone's best game. There will be teams like Iowa and Minnesota in the tournament and you have to figure out a way to beat those teams to get to the sweet sixteen and beyond.

 

[PistolPt]

Top 15 team I can see. That Iowa game was really alarming though and top 15 teams win those games period. Minnie, who knows although should have served as a wakeup call for this team and I can deal with that defeat somewhat. Still allowing Iowa City debacle to happen a couple of weeks after that game causes concerns moving forward. Sparty, Maryland and IU on the road I think will tell us a lot about this team moving forward. Somebody mentioned us being better than ND. I don't agree with that, they have extremely well after our game and a much more consistent team I think. Better who knows? Anyway what do in those 3 road games and more importantly how they play down the stretch in crunch time will show their true mettle. Lose a game in OT or last seconds, tough but I accept and coin toss on road. Play well and go scoreless in the last 2 1/2 minutes in DC, than a bad loss again like Iowa and not feeling great going into big dance. I like this team, think CMP is having a really solid year coaching. What they do starting Tuesday in East Lansing starts second season really and maybe a glimpse of what we should expect in March.

 

[IndySouthsider]

We pissed away our shot at the championship by losing those two games. Obviously they could still win out, but I don't see that as being likely. The issue for this team in March is that you will get everyone's best game. There will be teams like Iowa and Minnesota in the tournament and you have to figure out a way to beat those teams to get to the sweet sixteen and beyond.

How much you want to bet the Big Ten champion has four or five losses?

 

[PistolPt]

I don't see Wisconsin having 5 losses in conference and 4 might be a stretch.

 

[PistolPt]

Actually 3 will be a stretch with Wisky.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Wisconsin is 5-1, conference record: here's their remaining schedule:

Penn State
Rutgers (MSG)
@ Illinois
Indiana
@ Nebraska
Northwestern
@ Michigan
Maryland
@ Ohio State
@ Michigan State
Iowa
Minnesota

You never know, but right now, I would guess no worse than 14-4......the Badgers dodged one in Minneapolis yesterday.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Just for the heck of it, here's Maryland's remaining schedule:

Rutgers
@ Minnesota
@ Ohio State
Purdue
@ Penn State
Ohio State
@ Northwestern
@ Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
@ Rutgers
Michigan State

I would say Purdue, then Maryland have the tougher remaining schedules of the three....and Purdue is a game back in the loss column. Can the Boilers make up ground and prevail? the opportunity is there.....we'll start seeing some cards the next two weeks.

 

[pig1960]

Top 15 team I can see. That Iowa game was really alarming though and top 15 teams win those games period. Minnie, who knows although should have served as a wakeup call for this team and I can deal with that defeat somewhat. Still allowing Iowa City debacle to happen a couple of weeks after that game causes concerns moving forward. Sparty, Maryland and IU on the road I think will tell us a lot about this team moving forward. Somebody mentioned us being better than ND. I don't agree with that, they have extremely well after our game and a much more consistent team I think. Better who knows? Anyway what do in those 3 road games and more importantly how they play down the stretch in crunch time will show their true mettle. Lose a game in OT or last seconds, tough but I accept and coin toss on road. Play well and go scoreless in the last 2 1/2 minutes in DC, than a bad loss again like Iowa and not feeling great going into big dance. I like this team, think CMP is having a really solid year coaching. What they do starting Tuesday in East Lansing starts second season really and maybe a glimpse of what we should expect in March.

Not to start a pissing match but Top 15 teams win those games?

Louisville drops game at Ga Tech
WVU drops games to OK and KSU
UNC to Ga Tech
Butler to Ind St and St Johns

 

[PistolPt]

Not to start a pissing match but Top 15 teams win those games?

Louisville drops game at Ga Tech
WVU drops games to OK and KSU
UNC to Ga Tech
Butler to Ind St and St Johns

You were up 30 against that team at home and win easy. 4 freshman start for that team, you need to win that game on the road period. I still can understand the Minnie game and hiccup but losing that game in Iowa City was puzzling. It's over and hopefully learn to win on the road starting Tuesday night.

 

[paintball1979]

We should be 7-0 in my mind. This year is/was great opportunity to get a BIG championship for Purdue.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

You were up 30 against that team at home and win easy. 4 freshman start for that team, you need to win that game on the road period. I still can understand the Minnie game and hiccup but losing that game in Iowa City was puzzling. It's over and hopefully learn to win on the road starting Tuesday night.

Iowa wasn't puzzling. Jok and the entire team were completely embarrassed in West Lafayette and they played like it. Purdue didn't play an awful game, but a lot of pretty solid defensive possessions ended up as Iowa buckets.

None of Purdue's four losses are too troubling for me. This team is close to being very good. I don't know if they are athletic enough to be great, but their inside/outside game is among the best in college basketball.

 

[PistolPt]

Iowa wasn't puzzling. Jok and the entire team were completely embarrassed in West Lafayette and they played like it. Purdue didn't play an awful game, but a lot of pretty solid defensive possessions ended up as Iowa buckets.

None of Purdue's four losses are too troubling for me. This team is close to being very good. I don't know if they are athletic enough to be great, but their inside/outside game is among the best in college basketball.

Then Iowa goes to Northwestern and lose by 30 next game. Sorry disagree, that was a bad loss. Again move on and they are close to being a very good team if able to win on the road.

 

[tjreese]

Then Iowa goes to Northwestern and lose by 30 next game. Sorry disagree, that was a bad loss. Again move on and they are close to being a very good team if able to win on the road.

don't want to put words in his mouth, but think he was saying it was a bad loss, but one that was understandable...not acceptable, but understanding in how that happens with teams

 

[saratogashaw]

Next 5 games should tell us what we are made of. If we can keep turnovers down to 10-12 per game and continue to shoot well from 3 I think we can go 4-1. All starts Tuesday with Michigan State and they did not play defense well on Saturday at all. Will be tough but we start with a W there!

 

[rgarlitz]

Ya, I think 4-1 would be very, very admirable in this upcoming road stretch.

I'll be thrilled if this team gets to 9-3 in the B1G, even if it drops another place in the standings.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Ya, I think 4-1 would be very, very admirable in this upcoming road stretch.

I'll be thrilled if this team gets to 9-3 in the B1G, even if it drops another place in the standings.

Put me in the "thrilled" camp as well.

 

[atmafola]

A few thoughts here:

1) IMO --- Purdue has a quality team this year, but I don't think it's a top-15 team. I'm not trying to be negative, but when I look at the wins and losses, I'm starting to think that 30s-ish RPI could be accurate.

2) I agree that defense seem to be the most obvious Achilles heal for this year's team --- similar to turnovers and streaky outside shooting last year. Several opponents (Minnesota, OSU, @Iowa) have gotten to the rim with alarming ease against Purdue since the B1G season opened. I'm sure teams will continue to attack the lane until Purdue (especially the guards and Haas) show they can stop it.

top 30-ish really? we haven't done well in close games. we are 1-4 or with all loses in single digits and 2 games we should have won. We have blown out every other team we have played. We fix the end of game issues, and i like our chances vs any team outside the top10.

 

[yiana]

Teams have to gear up to play Purdue because of size. Playing you guys took a physical on our team.

 

[boilernuke]

If this team can win 5 of the next 6 with 3 tough road games @MSU, @Maryland and @IU, I would be at an unsafe level of excitement.

Need an APB for delish. Are you safe???
Purdue accomplished exactly that...winning 5 of the last 6!

 

[BoilerDeac]

I'm not worried about the regular season title. Sure, it would be nice, but let's go win the conference tournament and make a run in March.

 

[delish1]

Need an APB for delish. Are you safe???
Purdue accomplished exactly that...winning 5 of the last 6!

HAHA good find. Doing great with dreams of a deep tourney run! If I was younger I'd be real hungover, instead I hit the y for some pickup action to burn off some of the excitement.

It's spreading though. My wife (IU grad) came home from work last said "great, there's a purdue game tonight. The nights there are no games aren't as good."

Things are getting dangerous!