Was at the game... Observations

[*4purdue*]

1) Swanigan.... Going to be great, just does all the little things. Carl Landry 2.0

2) Haas... much improved ft shooting and had some nice moves inside. Got a little winded at times.

3) Stephens... I think he's going to shoot better this season. Looked good 1st half.

4) Cline.... Has the best looking shot on the team. If he's starting by the time the B1G start, I would not be surprised at all.

5) Mathias... Looks much better at handling the ball. Will play a lot at the point this year.

6) Davis.... team leader and going to have a great season. He's a coach on the floor that this team needs.

7) PJ.... Shot looks much better, but looked for his shot more than I want to see. when he's at the point, he needs to realize he's the 5th option.

8) Hill... Started a little slow because of fouls, but plays great D, is long like JO, but not as explosive offensively. Looks to distribute. He's exactly what I think CMP looks for in a pg. His game reminds me of Barlow, without the attitude.

9) Edwards.... He's just one of those guys that you wonder how he went under the radar in HS. He is so good. Looks like the kind of player that you'd see at Duke. Looks much more at home playing the 3 with CS at the 4.

Add AJ and I think that is the rotation for the season, I just don't see Taylor getting much time this year. I'm glad BS was able to redshirt, because I'm not sure he would get much time either.

 

[Beeazlebub]

I'm adding mine before reading yours:

Swanigan - I sit with my dad & asked him shortly after halftime whether or not Swanigan was one-and-done. His answer was that he looked like an NBA player right now, and I agreed. His ability to move, handle the ball, decision making, defense, and shooting are all better than I expected, and his rebounding is downright elite. In short, he's better than I expected, and the offense works best when the ball goes through him.

Haas - Improved agility has helped him on both ends of the floor. He's a better shot blocker this season, and seems to be less foul prone. Haas and Swanigan (and AJ) will be very difficult to defend from the high-low post, so we'll see lots of double teams & zones. The ability to recognize the double & kick out to shooters should improve over the course of the season.

Stephens - Never saw a shot he didn't like, but I don't necessarily take that as a negative. I like it when he takes open shots, but I'd like to see the offense go through Swanigan & then kick it outside before jacking it up at the first opportunity.

Hill - Most impressed by his presence on both ends of the court, especially defensively. Aggression and quickness will make him an excellent addition this season, but I'm not sure about his shooting. He's better than I expected, and similarities to Octeus are uncanny.

Thompson - Solid player who will have to be guarded on the perimeter. May see plenty of open shots this season if he is identified as the least lethal option by the defense. Doesn't wow you with anything, but I don't feel apprehensive when he's making decisions.

Davis - Complete bulldog on both ends of the floor. Love this guy for both his leadership and work ethic; he's turned into an all-conference type of player. He looks far more comfortable taking the outside shot this season & has improved his ability to score through contact.

Mathias - Solid, but I question how healthy he is. Seems to have adequate skills to play the point & would be a good option if we need more shooters on the floor.

Edwards - Plentiful ability & improved athleticism as advertised. Best shooter of the starters, but may have been a little too eager last night. I wouldn't be surprised if he led the team in scoring.

Cline - May struggle on the defensive end due to lack of strength, but I wouldn't call him a liability. Looks comfortable on the court & will have big games this year when he gets hot. May be an all-conference type of player by the time he's a senior, but he'll contribute this year.

Taylor - Needs more time maturing into his body. Barring injury or fouls, any minutes he gets will be garbage time during blowouts.

Other: Some of the foul calls were ridiculous & I hope they're just calling a tighter game early in the season. I have no idea what is expected from the defensive player, as any attempt to hold your ground was called as a foul. 40+ fouls take any flow out of the game & make it as difficult to watch as it is to play.

I'm hesitant to say this because I'll sound like a hyped-up homer, but this is the deepest and most talented team I can recall at Purdue. Not just under Painter, but ever. This will be a fun year.

 

[Boiler Wolf]

Good summary. The only thing I take issue with is Swanigan's defense. A few mistakes early but played better later.

 

[FinallyABoilerFinal4]

Good summary. The only thing I take issue with is Swanigan's defense. A few mistakes early but played better later.

Swanigan is slow. He's going to give up points. But he'll get blocks, defections, and steals here and there. He makes his money on offense.

 

[alwaysaboiler]

I think you underestimate Cline's ability and I think he will see a lot of playing time on a team where most freshman(unless NBA quality like Biggie) would hardly see the floor. He is a GREAT shooter and holds his own on defense because he has good defensive principles. He may not be quick or fast but he is a smart player, very smart. Friday he finally shook the jitters and knocked shots down.