We Have Final 4 Team Next Year...

[BoilerInChiTown]

I'm comfortable in saying that with the current players and additions that we are final 4 team next year. Anything less would be a disappointment.

Returners: Smith, Loyer, Harris, Cox, TKR, Jacobsen, Burgess & Benter.
Additions: Cluff, Mayer, Murphy & West

Mayer looks really impressive to me. I would say he's ahead of Smith as a Freshman in my eyes.
Three point shooters everywhere, good rebounders, best guards in all of NCAA, rim protector and a strong bench.

Would loved to have Colvin or Heide return for athleticism but I understand why they needed a new scenery. Not sure if we will get anyone else but as of now this looks like a final 4 team to me. Boiler up.

 

[RossMackey]

I'm comfortable in saying that with the current players and additions that we are final 4 team next year. Anything less would be a disappointment.

Returners: Smith, Loyer, Harris, Cox, TKR, Jacobsen, Burgess & Benter.
Additions: Cluff, Mayer, Murphy & West

Mayer looks really impressive to me. I would say he's ahead of Smith as a Freshman in my eyes.
Three point shooters everywhere, good rebounders, best guards in all of NCAA, rim protector and a strong bench.

Would loved to have Colvin or Heide return for athleticism but I understand why they needed a new scenery. Not sure if we will get anyone else but as of now this looks like a final 4 team to me. Boiler up.

I’m thrilled at Purdue’s potential and its upside… BUT

Purdue is NOT a FF team unless and until they actually get there.

Every soul associated with with the program needs to understand that!

 

[BoilerInChiTown]

I’m thrilled at Purdue’s potential and its upside… BUT

Purdue is NOT a FF team unless and until they actually get there.

Every soul associated with with the program needs to understand that!

It's okay to have expectations in life and in your team. Best of luck.

 

[RossMackey]

It's okay to have expectations in life and in your team. Best of luck.

I lived In Missouri for awhile—
SHOW ME

😉

 

[boilerzz]

I hope we are in the final four and I think we have a final four quality roster. That said, there is a reason only 40% of one seeds make the final four.

 

[proudopete]

I think the key to beating us last season was to take Braden out of his game. Having Mayer now negates that as he is also pretty salty with the ball.

I understand you have to get there but if you’re building a team for Painter to coach to get there, this one is it.

 

[jdbrees922]

I'm comfortable in saying that with the current players and additions that we are final 4 team next year. Anything less would be a disappointment.

Returners: Smith, Loyer, Harris, Cox, TKR, Jacobsen, Burgess & Benter.
Additions: Cluff, Mayer, Murphy & West

Mayer looks really impressive to me. I would say he's ahead of Smith as a Freshman in my eyes.
Three point shooters everywhere, good rebounders, best guards in all of NCAA, rim protector and a strong bench.

Would loved to have Colvin or Heide return for athleticism but I understand why they needed a new scenery. Not sure if we will get anyone else but as of now this looks like a final 4 team to me. Boiler up.

Has TKR and Harris a they are returning ?

 

[New Pal Boiler]

I hope we are in the final four and I think we have a final four quality roster. That said, there is a reason only 40% of one seeds make the final four.

I think that is going to change in the portal era.

 

[Bleedinggoldandblack]

Once again CMP has assembled a great group , his years of coaching and ability to bring guys together to sacrifice for the greater good give us a "chance" to be something special. What defines their character and collective effort will be fun to watch. One thing that I see from the new guys just a gut guess is they will allow Braden Fletch TKR to be better. By taking the pressure off and letting the game come to them . To often this year they were forcing things and when the legs got tired season end it was rough. By having some balance and depth we can define better who we will become and the outcome. My expectations are :
1) to be the best 3 pt shooting team in the country
2) dominate the paint
3) dominate with intense defense

Find our way to Indianapolis.

 

[BoilerAndy]

I think that is going to change in the portal era.

It may already have, based on this year's tournament.

 

[Chi-Boiler]

I think it's great to have expectations. But I don't like putting blanket statements on it like that. Just like I hate blanket statements made this year like "Our ceiling is the Sweet 16." There's too much involved to make those statements. Selection Sunday is exactly 333 days away, and as excited as we all are right now, that's a long time from now. There are a lot of new faces and talents that have to be blended in with the core that returns. Let's not do what Indinia does and declare ourselves winners of the offseason. We're going to get everyone's best shot every night. There will be some rough patches. It's all, as usual, about how we're playing in February and March.

I would say that our goals are as high and reachable as they've ever been.

 

[ImRonBurgandy?]

Final 4. Been there, done that. It's natty or bust baby.

 

[qazplm]

I think it's great to have expectations. But I don't like putting blanket statements on it like that. Just like I hate blanket statements made this year like "Our ceiling is the Sweet 16." There's too much involved to make those statements. Selection Sunday is exactly 333 days away, and as excited as we all are right now, that's a long time from now. There are a lot of new faces and talents that have to be blended in with the core that returns. Let's not do what Indinia does and declare ourselves winners of the offseason. We're going to get everyone's best shot every night. There will be some rough patches. It's all, as usual, about how we're playing in February and March.

I would say that our goals are as high and reachable as they've ever been.

What does it matter if we make those statements? The team will do what it does regardless of whether we are optimistic, neutral or pessimistic.

 

[Chi-Boiler]

What does it matter if we make those statements? The team will do what it does regardless of whether we are optimistic, neutral or pessimistic.

I think I explained my reasoning in my post. I don't know why you feel the need to argue with everything I say recently.

And yeah, the team will do what it does regardless of anything we say, so why do we have message boards in the first place?

 

[qazplm]

I think I explained my reasoning in my post. I don't know why you feel the need to argue with everything I say recently.

And yeah, the team will do what it does regardless of anything we say, so why do we have message boards in the first place?

Bud, it's called a message board with discussions. We discuss because we like talking about our team, not because anything we say here affects what happens.

And yeah, people disagree. So, if every post I make isn't in agreement with you, or vice versa, that's just fine.

 

[spoilerdave]

Bud, it's called a message board with discussions. We discuss because we like talking about our team, not because anything we say here affects what happens.

And yeah, people disagree. So, if every post I make isn't in agreement with you, or vice versa, that's just fine.

Can you imagine how much easier it will be on both TKR and Braden without getting double teamed? How many players can take them 1 on 1?

Who do opposing teams leave open if they are going to double? Fletcher, Cox, Mayer, Murphy, Benter, even Harris will all bury 3's if left alone and open. DJ and Cluff will take the big guys off Trey and if you leave them open it's all dunks and layups.

We can play transition basketball for 40 minutes if we want because we will have the depth to keep fresh legs in all night long.

Inbounds plays both for and against will be a lot easier with a 7'4" player to catch the ball or to shield the passers vision. We should win every jump ball with a 4 inch height advantage. I don't remember ever losing one with Zach and DJ is an inch taller.

We could rotate offense/defense all game like Paint did with TKR and Loyer to play the most intense in your face pressure defense you have ever seen in Mackey Arena if he wants to. Harris, Braden and Cox will be in your face with quick hands as opponents bring the ball up while DJ hangs back and knocks every ball out of the sky.

Loyer, TKR and Murphy can focus on offensive opportunities while Cluff will be there to pickup all the offensive rebounds and give us an extra possession.

I wouldn't want to play us if I was Duke, Houston, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee or Florida. The Big 10 has to be terrified.

I'm excited to see how Paint gets these guys to mesh together and find their roles. This team is exciting and we still have 3 more scholarships we could use if the right pieces come into play. Our biggest issue might be how to get everyone enough minutes to keep them happy.

 

[qazplm]

Can you imagine how much easier it will be on both TKR and Braden without getting double teamed? How many players can take them 1 on 1?

Who do opposing teams leave open if they are going to double? Fletcher, Cox, Mayer, Murphy, Benter, even Harris will all bury 3's if left alone and open. DJ and Cluff will take the big guys off Trey and if you leave them open it's all dunks and layups.

We can play transition basketball for 40 minutes if we want because we will have the depth to keep fresh legs in all night long.

Inbounds plays both for and against will be a lot easier with a 7'4" player to catch the ball or to shield the passers vision. We should win every jump ball with a 4 inch height advantage. I don't remember ever losing one with Zach and DJ is an inch taller.

We could rotate offense/defense all game like Paint did with TKR and Loyer to play the most intense in your face pressure defense you have ever seen in Mackey Arena if he wants to. Harris, Braden and Cox will be in your face with quick hands as opponents bring the ball up while DJ hangs back and knocks every ball out of the sky.

Loyer, TKR and Murphy can focus on offensive opportunities while Cluff will be there to pickup all the offensive rebounds and give us an extra possession.

I wouldn't want to play us if I was Duke, Houston, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee or Florida. The Big 10 has to be terrified.

I'm excited to see how Paint gets these guys to mesh together and find their roles. This team is exciting and we still have 3 more scholarships we could use if the right pieces come into play. Our biggest issue might be how to get everyone enough minutes to keep them happy.

For me I think the clear best case scenario is being able to keep Smith fresh, being able to shrug off foul trouble to a big because we have two other starter quality bigs, and if someone is having a cold night whether it be Loyer or Mayer or what have you, then someone else can step up and hit shots.

Those three things solve all the issues we had this season. Assuming no freak injuries, it will be hard to beat us because we simply have 8 players who could conceivably start spread across all positions. Plus guys like Burgess, Benter, and Murphy who could provide minutes, or surprise, or have a game here or there where they get 10+.

So yeah, lots of quality pieces. This is the benefit of the portal. This is why I was never worried that Painter would use it, and that he wouldn't make good choices in using it.

It's why I think 26-27 is going to be a good team too even with all the big losses bc Paint is going to find 3+ guys who can ball in the portal who are good fits and after next season which will likely be a final four team, players will want to come here.

 

[Thordog]

The staff certainly addressed the areas that can now be big advantages - rebounding and outside shooting. I dont know enough about the defensive abilities for West, Cluff, Murphy or Mayer, but getting or developing a lock down defender or 2 will be icing. Purdue has really good defenders now and Cox and Harris are very good defenders. Would love to add a Chris Kramer defensive guy to this team

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Can you imagine how much easier it will be on both TKR and Braden without getting double teamed? How many players can take them 1 on 1?

Who do opposing teams leave open if they are going to double? Fletcher, Cox, Mayer, Murphy, Benter, even Harris will all bury 3's if left alone and open. DJ and Cluff will take the big guys off Trey and if you leave them open it's all dunks and layups.

We can play transition basketball for 40 minutes if we want because we will have the depth to keep fresh legs in all night long.

Inbounds plays both for and against will be a lot easier with a 7'4" player to catch the ball or to shield the passers vision. We should win every jump ball with a 4 inch height advantage. I don't remember ever losing one with Zach and DJ is an inch taller.

We could rotate offense/defense all game like Paint did with TKR and Loyer to play the most intense in your face pressure defense you have ever seen in Mackey Arena if he wants to. Harris, Braden and Cox will be in your face with quick hands as opponents bring the ball up while DJ hangs back and knocks every ball out of the sky.

Loyer, TKR and Murphy can focus on offensive opportunities while Cluff will be there to pickup all the offensive rebounds and give us an extra possession.

I wouldn't want to play us if I was Duke, Houston, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee or Florida. The Big 10 has to be terrified.

I'm excited to see how Paint gets these guys to mesh together and find their roles. This team is exciting and we still have 3 more scholarships we could use if the right pieces come into play. Our biggest issue might be how to get everyone enough minutes to keep them happy.

I think that the Mayer addition will take some pressure off of Smith where he doesn’t have to initiate the offense virtually every play. This will make it that much harder for defenses to scheme to stop Purdue and will keep Smith fresher. The few times I have seen Smith start possessions off ball he’s shown that he can be quite effective in that role. Smith, of course, will still be the primary ball handler and initiator, but having two guys who are elite at running the offense will be a great asset.

I’m not quite as confident that Smith breaks Bobby Hurley’s assist record this way, but maybe Purdue plays in 2 post season championship games and he gets more games to catch Hurley.

 

[Dryfly88]

It's all a lifelong PU fan could ask for. I love college basketball season, and I already have something great to look forward to. Sure, I want another FF and would probably cry if we won it all. But what I really look forward to is the 5 months that I get to watch my team play at a high level.

 

[Wolegib]

I set my goal and expectations the same for every year with Painter as a coach: s top 20 team, 20+ wins and sweet 16.

Anything above that. Is dependent on match ups, injuries. And player development and chemistry.

My expectations are the floor, not the potential ceiling!

 

[PaBoiler78]

It's all a lifelong PU fan could ask for. I love college basketball season, and I already have something great to look forward to. Sure, I want another FF and would probably cry if we won it all. But what I really look forward to is the 5 months that I get to watch my team play at a high level.

totally agree w/ you and esp for me the sports that follow the basketball season I have absolutely no interest in till football season

 

[qazplm]

totally agree w/ you and esp for me the sports that follow the basketball season I have absolutely no interest in till football season

Yep. It's a sports black hole for me from the last Purdue basketball game until mid to late August when fantasy football drafts start.

 

[RDUBoiler]

I think it's great to have expectations. But I don't like putting blanket statements on it like that. Just like I hate blanket statements made this year like "Our ceiling is the Sweet 16." There's too much involved to make those statements. Selection Sunday is exactly 333 days away, and as excited as we all are right now, that's a long time from now. There are a lot of new faces and talents that have to be blended in with the core that returns. Let's not do what Indinia does and declare ourselves winners of the offseason. We're going to get everyone's best shot every night. There will be some rough patches. It's all, as usual, about how we're playing in February and March.

I would say that our goals are as high and reachable as they've ever been.

I agree. We have the talent--and coaching--to get there. A lot of things have to go right for it to happen. I don't think the players and coaches are taking anything for granted. Painter's going to have to figure out how all of the pieces fit together (especially Mayer and Braden, but also TKR, Jacobsen, and Cluff). Nice problems to have, but there are no guarantees.

 

[tjreese]

I agree. We have the talent--and coaching--to get there. A lot of things have to go right for it to happen. I don't think the players and coaches are taking anything for granted. Painter's going to have to figure out how all of the pieces fit together (especially Mayer and Braden, but also TKR, Jacobsen, and Cluff). Nice problems to have, but there are no guarantees.

FWIW, Matt stated years ago he would like to get to the point of playing two PGs at the same time. Not sure if that has changed, but I'm sure his thought that playing two PGs still has some desires

 

[tjreese]

I think that the Mayer addition will take some pressure off of Smith where he doesn’t have to initiate the offense virtually every play. This will make it that much harder for defenses to scheme to stop Purdue and will keep Smith fresher. The few times I have seen Smith start possessions off ball he’s shown that he can be quite effective in that role. Smith, of course, will still be the primary ball handler and initiator, but having two guys who are elite at running the offense will be a great asset.

I’m not quite as confident that Smith breaks Bobby Hurley’s assist record this way, but maybe Purdue plays in 2 post season championship games and he gets more games to catch Hurley.

Yeah, I'm with you on Hurley's record unless Braden still gets a lot of minutes and extra games

 

[Boiler Buck]

I'm comfortable in saying that with the current players and additions that we are final 4 team next year. Anything less would be a disappointment.

Returners: Smith, Loyer, Harris, Cox, TKR, Jacobsen, Burgess & Benter.
Additions: Cluff, Mayer, Murphy & West

Mayer looks really impressive to me. I would say he's ahead of Smith as a Freshman in my eyes.
Three point shooters everywhere, good rebounders, best guards in all of NCAA, rim protector and a strong bench.

Would loved to have Colvin or Heide return for athleticism but I understand why they needed a new scenery. Not sure if we will get anyone else but as of now this looks like a final 4 team to me. Boiler up.

Optimism for sure......but let's see how the new guys gel, who can play D & what other teams assemble. Be fun to watch CMP bring them on.

 

[BoilerAndy]

FWIW, Matt stated years ago he would like to get to the point of playing two PGs at the same time. Not sure if that has changed, but I'm sure his thought that playing two PGs still has some desires

Two PGs who can score would be really tough to devise a game plan against.

It's so hard to find a highly skilled PG who sees the floor and decides who has the best shot. If Mayer is as good as some people believe, Painter will have two, where most teams don't have one.

 

[Wolegib]

before getting your hopes up too high. i will remind you Kansas was last year's preseason #1. they were a sure fire final 4 after adding Dickinson and the guy from UW via the portal.

 

[Dryfly88]

before getting your hopes up too high. i will remind you Kansas was last year's preseason #1. they were a sure fire final 4 after adding Dickinson and the guy from UW via the portal.

2 head cases, bad example

 

[DrEss]

The staff certainly addressed the areas that can now be big advantages - rebounding and outside shooting. I dont know enough about the defensive abilities for West, Cluff, Murphy or Mayer, but getting or developing a lock down defender or 2 will be icing. Purdue has really good defenders now and Cox and Harris are very good defenders. Would love to add a Chris Kramer defensive guy to this team

I’d say CMP addressed most if not all the areas of need going into next season, that have been noted on this board the last few weeks. I essentially agree with Thordog, on maybe needing one more lock down and athletic dude for the wing 3 position.

It will be fun to watch CMP’s approach to this roster’s playing time. I can see him playing a bunch of guys in the first half, but awarding the 2nd half minutes to those playing the best in the coach’s’ eyes.

 

[pubill]

before getting your hopes up too high. i will remind you Kansas was last year's preseason #1. they were a sure fire final 4 after adding Dickinson and the guy from UW via the portal.

they added Dickinson 2 years ago

 

[goboilers2]

I hope we are in the final four and I think we have a final four quality roster. That said, there is a reason only 40% of one seeds make the final four.

This year certainly slanted that stat.

 

[boilerzz]

This year certainly slanted that stat.

Not materially. Took it to about 41%.

 

[msfboiler3]

The staff certainly addressed the areas that can now be big advantages - rebounding and outside shooting. I dont know enough about the defensive abilities for West, Cluff, Murphy or Mayer, but getting or developing a lock down defender or 2 will be icing. Purdue has really good defenders now and Cox and Harris are very good defenders. Would love to add a Chris Kramer defensive guy to this team

I would add ball handling. Mayer will become the secondary ball handler and let loyer move off the ball where he is more effective. Having cluff and mayer also makes purdue tougher to defend and jacobsen adds defensive help at a min. This is the most complete team purdues had. We lack athletism but every team has a hole and matt will figure it out.

 

[boilerzz]

I would add ball handling. Mayer will become the secondary ball handler and let loyer move off the ball where he is more effective. Having cluff and mayer also makes purdue tougher to defend and jacobsen adds defensive help at a min. This is the most complete team purdues had. We lack athletism but every team has a hole and matt will figure it out.

Cox was a lot more comfortable bringing the ball up late in the season than early. And Harris was more comfortable putting it on the deck and getting to the rim. I'd expect both guys to improve in that area next year as well.

I don't see this team getting pressed a lot.

 

[SaratogaBoiler1]

Cox was a lot more comfortable bringing the ball up late in the season than early. And Harris was more comfortable putting it on the deck and getting to the rim. I'd expect both guys to improve in that area next year as well.

I don't see this team getting pressed a lot.

We certainly have a Final Four caliber team and will be a favorite to win it all. We addressed rebounding, the 5, a guy to give Smith some needed rest instead of playing 40 minutes and we have 2 potential All Americans. Last years 4 number 1 seeds only had a handful of losses for the entire year. I’m expecting the same from next year’s team.

 

[Heads up BOILER]

I agree. We have the talent--and coaching--to get there. A lot of things have to go right for it to happen. I don't think the players and coaches are taking anything for granted. Painter's going to have to figure out how all of the pieces fit together (especially Mayer and Braden, but also TKR, Jacobsen, and Cluff). Nice problems to have, but there are no guarantees.

I think the Mayer and Smith pairing will be easier than figuring out the TKR, Jacobsen & Cluff pairings… and you might have to add in Burgess and Murphy depending on how they show out. Getting them to gel offensively will be tougher than defensively in my opinion. Hoping TKR has a good summer and fall developing his mid range and even a 3 point shot and thus having more offensive versatility to add to his great PNR and post up around the basket. Opening it up to give the multiple bigs more room to operate and coexist…

 

[Hatchets7times]

Ripe for an upset..
Like every team...

 

[Gman544]

Yeah, I'm with you on Hurley's record unless Braden still gets a lot of minutes and extra games

Smith lost a couple assists per game on passes for easy baskets to Furst that were fumbled, blocked etc. Cluff and Jacobsen should convert better. Mayer and Murphy also might convert at a higher rate.