my own belief : if Tyger signs early, it will be with Purdue. if he doesn't, Purdue will start looking elsewhere and will sign a late blooming player.
As I see it, the only reason for Tyger to not sign early is he's hoping for a better offer. And once Tyger sits down and evaluates the entire college scene, he'll see that those other colleges have already used up all the scholarships they are going to give out. and those better offers are not going to be coming later. the vast majority of blue blood teams have either given out their offers or they are waiting for different players to sign. it's not like Tyger is waiting for Langford to sign, and the school that misses out is going to sign Tyger. Purdue is probably the best offer Tyger will receive now and/or later. it's a matter of does Tyger want to play on a great team like Purdue where there will be competition at his position. or does he want to play for a lesser school where the competition is less and his playing time might be more.?
As I see it, next year, Purdue could have a 3 man back court of Edwards, Eastern and Hunter with Cline pushing for a starting role as well. That's one very intimidating and talented backcourt. Add Tyger to that foursome would be huge. however, it would be hard for Tyger to gain a starting position as a freshman. And it would be hard for him to be a star as a sophomore as well. Purdue is going to have a loaded team this year, next year and the following year. if Tyger wants to be part of a loaded team, Purdue is a blue blood team with .potential championships and a final four in sight. But if he wants to be a star player and have the spotlight, then he's going to have to look elsewhere.
the problem will be the same with all blue blood teams. And Purdue is becoming a blue blood team. There is elite competition at every position on our team. and that's the same for all blue blood teams. People are saying Haarms is better than Haas. if we didn't have PJ, Eastern could start. Even Grady could find significant playing time for many teams. Wheeler is redshirting because of our talent. and next year we're adding Hunter, Tre and Dow. All three of those players have the talent to start for many other teams as freshmen.. if Tyger wants to be part of this train, Painter has made it clear he wants him. but if he doesn't, this locomotive has enough steam and power to make its way to the championship train station without him.
as it stands now, it appears that Painter has made his pitch to both Tyger and Ramey. I doubt he wants to sign both players. But he definitely wants to sign one of the two. and if they pass on the opportunity to sign this week, I have to believe Painter will move on and find somebody else. Much like Dow, Painter wants Tyger. but the decision is Tyger's to make. It would awesome if he chose Purdue.
If not, Eastern has looked pretty awesome lately as well. and a backcourt next year of Edwards, Eastern, Cline, and Hunter will be one of the best in college basketball. Tyger has a chance to join it. but that chance is now.
