This year'steam vs. last year

[TC4THREE]

Just let it go bro, your right as well as the 98% who responded as well. Sure happy Purdue won but probably was hoping for a 3 point win to keep argument going and with 25K messages will get last word(albeit "irrelevant" one) so let him have it.

Boiler up Sunday and continue to develop!

Haha. There is no outcome in a home game against one of the worst teams in the conference that would settle this. Like I've been pointing out all thread, people are getting overly excited about beating bad teams. Thank you for further illustrating that for me.

As for you and your 98℅ stuff, I doubt that is close to the correct number. Even if it were though, there have been numerous instances where I have seen an overwhelming majority of the board be wrong about something. Last year's team being great. Darrell Hazell being a good hire. Numerous recruits either coming or not coming here. It happens constantly. So cling to your "98 %" because it proves as much as those huge home wins over Norfolk State and Iowa.

Oh yea sorry about being a long-time Purdue fan who is active on this board and not some recent bandwagon jumper. That is certainly another strike against me!! You're on a roll.

 

[Kesselschmiede]

Why even compare this year's team vs last year's team? That in of itself is pretty pointless since they aren't the same. The offense is different, the defense is different hell the coaching is even different! Same people sure, but not the same type of team.

 

[TC4THREE]

Just curious what this year's team could do to prove they are better than last year? Since Norfolk doesn't count and ND equals Pitt and the Big is worse in your opinion when and what can this team do to prove its better. Win the Big? Nah...Big is down. Win a first round game...nah they should win that game.

Here's how I made my determination...I watched every game last year and all so far this year. Purdue had clear weaknesses last year...guard play, scoring slumps, turnovers by the front court and especially struggles against the press and zone etc This years team has clear weaknesses so far as well... but after 14 games this team has improved, sometimes dramatically, in those areas. Sure I t could all fall apart but I seriously doubt it because that's something else I see in this team - a mature consistency that last years team did not have.

Thank you for some actual substance on the topic.

I think winning the Big Ten, even in its weakened state, would provide evidence that we are better. Winning in the NCAA tournament would also. If we were to win the conference and go to the second weekend of the tournament then that would be good support that we are significantly better in my opinion. If we were to get 3rd in conference and get knocked out early again I would say the two teams seem very close to me.

 

[tjreese]

Forget it Stratton, he's on a roll. Whose with him??


Yeah agree lets move on. Great win and let's build on it Sunday.

 

[PistolPt]

You had me at hello TC.

Haha. There is no outcome in a home game against one of the worst teams in the conference that would settle this. Like I've been pointing out all thread, people are getting overly excited about beating bad teams. Thank you for further illustrating that for me.

As for you and your 98℅ stuff, I doubt that is close to the correct number. Even if it were though, there have been numerous instances where I have seen an overwhelming majority of the board be wrong about something. Last year's team being great. Darrell Hazell being a good hire. Numerous recruits either coming or not coming here. It happens constantly. So cling to your "98 %" because it proves as much as those huge home wins over Norfolk State and Iowa.

Oh yea sorry about being a long-time Purdue fan who is active on this board and not some recent bandwagon jumper. That is certainly another strike against me!! You're on a roll.

You had me at hello TC, you had me at hello

 

[TC4THREE]

You had me at hello TC.



You had me at hello TC, you had me at hello

I'm shocked at your response with zero substance. I really am.



Wait. No I'm not.

 

[mathboy]

Any comparison between last year's team and this year's team is just opinion. There is no way to have them play each other. Given that, my opinion, pig1960 got it right. all of the areas where last year's team struggled, this year's team looks to be greatly improved. Last year I would wince when someone threw the press against us. This year, I can't wait for them to get the full wrath of C-Boggie and his dribble and passing. Last year, teams could pack it in to stop AJ and Haas. This year, they get bombed out of any doubling the post by 3-4 guys who will hit open 3's at a 60% clip. This year, Biggie is un-defendable in the post. We don't have the shot blocking of AJ, but that has not prevented our defense from being stifling.

All in all, I have to give the edge to this year's team in skill, team work, and aggression. Both Carson and Biggie are step-on-your-throat type players. This team has a killer instinct missing last year. Maybe the ALR experience plays into that team killer instinct?

 

[pig1960]

Any comparison between last year's team and this year's team is just opinion. There is no way to have them play each other. Given that, my opinion, pig1960 got it right. all of the areas where last year's team struggled, this year's team looks to be greatly improved. Last year I would wince when someone threw the press against us. This year, I can't wait for them to get the full wrath of C-Boggie and his dribble and passing. Last year, teams could pack it in to stop AJ and Haas. This year, they get bombed out of any doubling the post by 3-4 guys who will hit open 3's at a 60% clip. This year, Biggie is un-defendable in the post. We don't have the shot blocking of AJ, but that has not prevented our defense from being stifling.

All in all, I have to give the edge to this year's team in skill, team work, and aggression. Both Carson and Biggie are step-on-your-throat type players. This team has a killer instinct missing last year. Maybe the ALR experience plays into that team killer instinct?

Zactly...

 

[BuilderBob6]

Thank you for some actual substance on the topic.

I think winning the Big Ten, even in its weakened state, would provide evidence that we are better. Winning in the NCAA tournament would also. If we were to win the conference and go to the second weekend of the tournament then that would be good support that we are significantly better in my opinion. If we were to get 3rd in conference and get knocked out early again I would say the two teams seem very close to me.

It appears as though you are using results to determine the better team whereas most are using the eye test as well as comparing trends and personnel. In your case it will take some time to get an answer.........but even then I'm not sure it's accurate. I don't think it's crazy to think two teams can have the same results and yet one team is better than the other. There are obviously lots of variables when results are the main criteria. Jmo

 

[ghost_of_d.]

The main differences I see in this year's team versus last year's team:

Pros:

- Returning players have nearly all improved at least marginally (I'll include Smotherman and V. Edwards here, even though Edwards' play was poor until the Notre Dame game), and the majority of them have thus far improved exceptionally (PJT, Mathias, Biggie, Haas, Cline). I can't remember a time where nearly the entire returning roster has shown such marked improvement. 2009-10 was probably the closest that I can think of, except Ryne Smith was basically the same player his first few years, and Keaton Grant's knee problems caused a regression, IMO.
- Carsen Edwards is the kind of freshman backcourt player we haven't seen since Smooge (not saying he's on Smooge's level, for you pedants).
- Press breaking is so far improved, it's not even close. Although, there were a few moments last night that caused a collective groan from the stands.
- Passing/ball movement is better by far.
- Shooting has indeed improved, but I'm not ready to say it's night-and-day compared to last year. Through 14 games last year, Purdue was 117-330 from behind the arc (35.5%). This year, the team is 136-329 (41.3%). That's only 1.3 more made 3's per game so far.​

Cons:

- Perimeter defense is marginally-to-moderately worse due to the losses of Davis and Hill. If Mathias can keep playing the kind of D that he did on Jok, I'd say it's only marginally worse in the end.
- Interior defense is significantly worse. That goes without question. Biggie and Haas will get some blocks here and there, but there's no replacing a guy like AJ.
- For as good as Biggie has been, I think Purdue lacks the definitive, for-when-you-absolutely-need-a-basket, go-to player. Hammons was that guy. He had the post moves, the soft touch, the size, the nearly unguardable release point to fit that bill.
​

It's too early to make an overall distinction, at least until they face some adversity in conference play and win some games on the road, but I think this year's team compares favorably to last year's.

 

[Dryfly88]

The main differences I see in this year's team versus last year's team:

Pros:

- Returning players have nearly all improved at least marginally (I'll include Smotherman and V. Edwards here, even though Edwards' play was poor until the Notre Dame game), and the majority of them have thus far improved exceptionally (PJT, Mathias, Biggie, Haas, Cline). I can't remember a time where nearly the entire returning roster has shown such marked improvement. 2009-10 was probably the closest that I can think of, except Ryne Smith was basically the same player his first few years, and Keaton Grant's knee problems caused a regression, IMO.
- Carsen Edwards is the kind of freshman backcourt player we haven't seen since Smooge (not saying he's on Smooge's level, for you pedants).
- Press breaking is so far improved, it's not even close. Although, there were a few moments last night that caused a collective groan from the stands.
- Passing/ball movement is better by far.
- Shooting has indeed improved, but I'm not ready to say it's night-and-day compared to last year. Through 14 games last year, Purdue was 117-330 from behind the arc (35.5%). This year, the team is 136-329 (41.3%). That's only 1.3 more made 3's per game so far.​

Cons:

- Perimeter defense is marginally-to-moderately worse due to the losses of Davis and Hill. If Mathias can keep playing the kind of D that he did on Jok, I'd say it's only marginally worse in the end.
- Interior defense is significantly worse. That goes without question. Biggie and Haas will get some blocks here and there, but there's no replacing a guy like AJ.
- For as good as Biggie has been, I think Purdue lacks the definitive, for-when-you-absolutely-need-a-basket, go-to player. Hammons was that guy. He had the post moves, the soft touch, the size, the nearly unguardable release point to fit that bill.
​

It's too early to make an overall distinction, at least until they face some adversity in conference play and win some games on the road, but I think this year's team compares favorably to last year's.

The only point I would like to make is we are currently ranked #9 in the country in 3pt %. If we were shooting what we did last year we would be #158. My point is there is a huge difference between 41% and 35% in D1. It is the difference between being elite and middle of the pack. Also, only UCLA has more attempts than we do for teams in the top 9 so we are shooting that high % with a lot of attempts.

I'm with you on the other points you make.

 

[BoilerAndy]

The main differences I see in this year's team versus last year's team:

Pros:

- Returning players have nearly all improved at least marginally (I'll include Smotherman and V. Edwards here, even though Edwards' play was poor until the Notre Dame game), and the majority of them have thus far improved exceptionally (PJT, Mathias, Biggie, Haas, Cline). I can't remember a time where nearly the entire returning roster has shown such marked improvement. 2009-10 was probably the closest that I can think of, except Ryne Smith was basically the same player his first few years, and Keaton Grant's knee problems caused a regression, IMO.
- Carsen Edwards is the kind of freshman backcourt player we haven't seen since Smooge (not saying he's on Smooge's level, for you pedants).
- Press breaking is so far improved, it's not even close. Although, there were a few moments last night that caused a collective groan from the stands.
- Passing/ball movement is better by far.
- Shooting has indeed improved, but I'm not ready to say it's night-and-day compared to last year. Through 14 games last year, Purdue was 117-330 from behind the arc (35.5%). This year, the team is 136-329 (41.3%). That's only 1.3 more made 3's per game so far.​

Cons:

- Perimeter defense is marginally-to-moderately worse due to the losses of Davis and Hill. If Mathias can keep playing the kind of D that he did on Jok, I'd say it's only marginally worse in the end.
- Interior defense is significantly worse. That goes without question. Biggie and Haas will get some blocks here and there, but there's no replacing a guy like AJ.
- For as good as Biggie has been, I think Purdue lacks the definitive, for-when-you-absolutely-need-a-basket, go-to player. Hammons was that guy. He had the post moves, the soft touch, the size, the nearly unguardable release point to fit that bill.
​

It's too early to make an overall distinction, at least until they face some adversity in conference play and win some games on the road, but I think this year's team compares favorably to last year's.

Interesting that the number of 3's taken is essentially the same as last year over the same number of games. I would not have guessed that.

 

[PurdueBtfu2]

Whiners and keyboard coaches can try to detract from the improvements seen in this year's team.

It is normal to miss key contributors like AJ or Raphael, but let us not ignore new additions like Carsen and the improvements of returning players as upperclassmen.
Team play exceeds that of any individual.

Painter-haters continually ignore his ability to develop his players, initial recruiting rankings be damned.

 

[ghost_of_d.]

Interesting that the number of 3's taken is essentially the same as last year over the same number of games. I would not have guessed that.

It's easy to forget that Stephens still had the green light to shoot 1-9 or 2-11 from behind the arc at this point last season. It's a good thing that it feels like ages ago already.

 

[TC4THREE]

Whiners and keyboard coaches can try to detract from the improvements seen in this year's team.

It is normal to miss key contributors like AJ or Raphael, but let us not ignore new additions like Carsen and the improvements of returning players as upperclassmen.
Team play exceeds that of any individual.

Painter-haters continually ignore his ability to develop his players, initial recruiting rankings be damned.

View embedded media

Well this is the first time I've ever been accused of being a Painter hater. Wow.

 

[PistolPt]

Well this is the first time I've ever been accused of being a Painter hater. Wow.

What about whiner and keyboard coach? Guessing not.
Seems majority out here on this thread pegging you on dead on. Enjoy "this year's" team and let it go. I'm certainly done with you and will move on.

Boiler up TC

 

[Dakota Girl]

The main differences I see in this year's team versus last year's team:

Pros:

- Returning players have nearly all improved at least marginally (I'll include Smotherman and V. Edwards here, even though Edwards' play was poor until the Notre Dame game), and the majority of them have thus far improved exceptionally (PJT, Mathias, Biggie, Haas, Cline). I can't remember a time where nearly the entire returning roster has shown such marked improvement. 2009-10 was probably the closest that I can think of, except Ryne Smith was basically the same player his first few years, and Keaton Grant's knee problems caused a regression, IMO.
- Carsen Edwards is the kind of freshman backcourt player we haven't seen since Smooge (not saying he's on Smooge's level, for you pedants).
- Press breaking is so far improved, it's not even close. Although, there were a few moments last night that caused a collective groan from the stands.
- Passing/ball movement is better by far.
- Shooting has indeed improved, but I'm not ready to say it's night-and-day compared to last year. Through 14 games last year, Purdue was 117-330 from behind the arc (35.5%). This year, the team is 136-329 (41.3%). That's only 1.3 more made 3's per game so far.​

Cons:

- Perimeter defense is marginally-to-moderately worse due to the losses of Davis and Hill. If Mathias can keep playing the kind of D that he did on Jok, I'd say it's only marginally worse in the end.
- Interior defense is significantly worse. That goes without question. Biggie and Haas will get some blocks here and there, but there's no replacing a guy like AJ.
- For as good as Biggie has been, I think Purdue lacks the definitive, for-when-you-absolutely-need-a-basket, go-to player. Hammons was that guy. He had the post moves, the soft touch, the size, the nearly unguardable release point to fit that bill.
​

It's too early to make an overall distinction, at least until they face some adversity in conference play and win some games on the road, but I think this year's team compares favorably to last year's.

I like your breakdown Jack. Very nice. I agree with Dry's assessment on the shooting, a nearly 6 point increase in team 3pt percentage is very significant. I would also take exception to the assertion that interior D is a huge drop off. I agree that Hammons was a superior shot blocker but I do not think Haas is a horrible defender. He effects shooters just by being in position. Swanigan on the other hand is night and day better than his freshman campaign. Would I love to give Haas Hammons shot blocking capability? Uh huh. But overall I think the Swanigan improvement on D is more important.

 

[TC4THREE]

What about whiner and keyboard coach? Guessing not.
Seems majority out here on this thread pegging you on dead on. Enjoy "this year's" team and let it go. I'm certainly done with you and will move on.

Boiler up TC

I am enjoying this team. Just not overly impressed with our accomplishments thus far. Unlike you, I'm not going to extrapolate success against Norfolk State against the rest of our schedule.

 

[PistolPt]

I am enjoying this team. Just not overly impressed with our accomplishments thus far. Unlike you, I'm not going to extrapolate success against Norfolk State against the rest of our schedule.

Well I'm glad your enjoying this team, as you should. It's a fun team to watch with different players stepping up seemingly every game. I think January will be a special month for this team and a extremely successful period. We will see.

Boiler up

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Well I'm glad your enjoying this team, as you should. It's a fun team to watch with different players stepping up seemingly every game. I think January will be a special month for this team and a extremely successful period. We will see.

Boiler up

We'll know...more...tomorrow.

 

[TC4THREE]

Trending towards last year imo.

 

[PistolPt]

Not the January I envisioned for sure. Trending maybe but different year and team. Lost 3 games on road by double digits last year and had no shot of winning any of those. Two road losses that were winnable games this year for sure. See how they rebound in DC.

 

[BoilerBiker]

would be rough to see the program trend down again already, especially if CS is gone next year.
and 2 years of downward trend could hurt future recruiting possibly too

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Before @ Maryland, the Boilers have a good Northwestern team coming in on a six-game winning streak and in third place in the standings. I still see this club having a higher ceiling because it is a balanced offensive team with more options.....however, they sometimes struggle in getting stops and are not as good defensively. I don't think they are good enough to survive all the turnovers if that isn't somewhat alleviated....JMO. Need more composure down the stretch....and make the defense have to react quicker, but there are enough weapons to get a score if they need one.

Similarly, though, the Boilers have dug a hole in the conference standings with tough losses.

Rebound from this one....it's over.....still plenty to play for.