Obviously, Purdue and especially its fans have waited a long time for Vince Edwards to commit.
Out of fear of such significant news getting snowed under with all that went on this weekend, I just wanted to follow up with more analysis on what the Ohio forward's addition means.
You have probably read on this site many times over several years that Edwards is a player that jibes well with Matt Painter's affinity for playing matchup basketball.
I hate - hate - making any comparisons with Robbie Hummel outside of saying that Edwards' skill set is much comparable to Hummel's than it would be a traditional power forward. That is not to say in any way, shape or form that Edwards should be expected to match Hummel's accomplishments at Purdue; he won't. But that's the sort of player he is, a tailor-made systematic fit as a matchup 4 man who can do a lot of different things.
Matt Painter couldn't have known it at the time when he started recruiting Edwards before Hummel even left, but in 2012-13, Purdue transitioned to more traditional, post-oriented power forward types. It did not go well, the reason wing Rapheal Davis spent much of the season occupying that spot.
Painter has always emphasized skill on the floor in his motion offense and here's guessing you may never again see lineups with two traditional bigs on the floor if Painter can help it.
With Basil Smotherman and Edwards now in the fold, that is certainly the way the "power forward" role is trending.
Edwards has always been a very productive player, especially when he's played at a high energy level, a must for him. He's an effective rebounder even though he's not that big or strong at this point and lacks really high-level athleticism and he'll block a shot or two just out of sheer basketball savvy. Defensively, the 4 will be his best matchup in college, because more perimeter-oriented matchups might be difficult from a quickness standpoint.
Offensively, again, he's defined by skill. He's not lightning fast or breath-takingly athletic by any stretch, but he is a Swiss Army knife with his ability to do pretty much everything at least adequately as an offensive player.
Against smaller opponents, he has a refined post game and the look of a player who grew up around the game from a savvy standpoint. Against bigger ones, he can really drive and slash. He won't be the long-range shooter Hummel was, but he is potent enough to be credible from distance, at least.
Long story short: What Purdue has gotten here is a solid four-year player and tailor-made system fit.
Just understand this: Do not let the perceived drama of the chase shape the perception of the player.
As only the Internet can do, Edwards became a sort of online cult celebrity in Purdue circles. Please do not let that mutate expectation here.
That said, Edwards is a nice pull for Purdue and a player Painter obviously coveted.
Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2013. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited. E-mail GoldandBlack.com/Boilers, Inc.
Out of fear of such significant news getting snowed under with all that went on this weekend, I just wanted to follow up with more analysis on what the Ohio forward's addition means.
You have probably read on this site many times over several years that Edwards is a player that jibes well with Matt Painter's affinity for playing matchup basketball.
I hate - hate - making any comparisons with Robbie Hummel outside of saying that Edwards' skill set is much comparable to Hummel's than it would be a traditional power forward. That is not to say in any way, shape or form that Edwards should be expected to match Hummel's accomplishments at Purdue; he won't. But that's the sort of player he is, a tailor-made systematic fit as a matchup 4 man who can do a lot of different things.
Matt Painter couldn't have known it at the time when he started recruiting Edwards before Hummel even left, but in 2012-13, Purdue transitioned to more traditional, post-oriented power forward types. It did not go well, the reason wing Rapheal Davis spent much of the season occupying that spot.
Painter has always emphasized skill on the floor in his motion offense and here's guessing you may never again see lineups with two traditional bigs on the floor if Painter can help it.
With Basil Smotherman and Edwards now in the fold, that is certainly the way the "power forward" role is trending.
Edwards has always been a very productive player, especially when he's played at a high energy level, a must for him. He's an effective rebounder even though he's not that big or strong at this point and lacks really high-level athleticism and he'll block a shot or two just out of sheer basketball savvy. Defensively, the 4 will be his best matchup in college, because more perimeter-oriented matchups might be difficult from a quickness standpoint.
Offensively, again, he's defined by skill. He's not lightning fast or breath-takingly athletic by any stretch, but he is a Swiss Army knife with his ability to do pretty much everything at least adequately as an offensive player.
Against smaller opponents, he has a refined post game and the look of a player who grew up around the game from a savvy standpoint. Against bigger ones, he can really drive and slash. He won't be the long-range shooter Hummel was, but he is potent enough to be credible from distance, at least.
Long story short: What Purdue has gotten here is a solid four-year player and tailor-made system fit.
Just understand this: Do not let the perceived drama of the chase shape the perception of the player.
As only the Internet can do, Edwards became a sort of online cult celebrity in Purdue circles. Please do not let that mutate expectation here.
That said, Edwards is a nice pull for Purdue and a player Painter obviously coveted.
Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2013. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited. E-mail GoldandBlack.com/Boilers, Inc.
