both look like the real deal. JT looked good also, but needs to shoot less. Overall a good game to knock the rust off. Definitely looks like a more athletic Purdue team.
Wheeler and Eastern....
- Thread starter *4purdue*
- Start date
Think we found that rim protecting big man every one on here has been clamoring for.....nice to see Taylor playing lots of minutes and being effective.
I think Eastern and Wheeler get a bulk of the minutes off the bench along with Cline...I'd say Haarms is quite the wild card because if Taylor can provide what he did today during the season to spell Haas, suddenly what appeared to be a weak point becomes a push at worst.
Eastern looks very comfortable with the ball in his hands and I think pairing with Taylor or Haarms, you could see some high screen and roll in the same method you saw with JJ and Smooge.
smooge could hit the outside shot. I think Nojel is going to be a very good player because his size, strength an ability to handle the ball allows him to get deep pretty easy. What I can't tell is his perimeter shooting. I tried to watch him before the game and I didn't have the angle I would prefer to see what I wanted to see, but I'm not sure he has a consistent shooting pocket...and that is what aligns the shot. I watched him stop an lay in the lane as his player went away from the ball and so I was pretty happy with his on ball and off ball D for a freshman. He had problems defending the low post as did Ryan a time or two, but that Canadian center was tough.
That center, reminded me of Glenn Robinson in terms of style of play, was very good. It took awhile for the guys to figure out that he had to be run off the arc. He had athleticism to go to the rim but he did struggle with the length and quick leaping of Purdue inside. The point was pretty good but his subs were not as talented.
I loved Nojel going to the basket. Smooth, strong and an excellent finisher. The euro step in the first quarter was beautiful. If he can develop a three he will be unbelievable.
Wheeler looked great in the second half when he got off the three point line and played inside.
Grady is not a great athlete but by God he is a player. Terrific game and he clearly has Painters respect.
Very true about Smooge's ability hit consistently from the outside...BUT that can easily be negated by placing a shooter on the same side of the floor (Mathias, Cline, CBoogie). It still allows Eastern the ability to get to the rim and really puts a bind on the defense because he has the length and athleticism to get to the rim quickly. If the help defense from the wing leaves the shooter, it leaves an easy look from beyond the arc...and in CBoogie's case, the ability to take it the rim when that defender attempts to close out.
Lots of possibilities for CMP this year and I think you saw that when Eastern was on the floor. It appeared there was a different way Purdue was getting in to their motion offense. Also, Eastern's ability to come off that screen early in the game led to Mathias hitting Haas with that pass in the lane for the dunk late in the game.
I think there were honestly about 3-4 legit B1G type of players on that Canadian team...and probably a few other solid D1 players for places like Indiana State and Valpo. I think Purdue has a legit chance if it continues to improve and the chemistry comes together. If this was its' weakest game (as it should be), they'll be a good team.
No..no ...no...I think Nojel can get to the rim adn nto sure what I said that implied that was a weakness. What I was saying or trying to is that Nojel may not have the stroke of Smooge and it not, then why go over the top on screens, but contain his dribble. I thought you were talking about Nojel in a pick and roll and his ability to hit teh perimeter shot if not contended? It appeared tonight that Nojels greatest strength (outside of a couple of passes) was attacking the basket. If he gets too effective with that coaches will just take it away and that is why I hope he can get a nice stroke, becasue with his size, strength and ball handling to attack the basket...all he needs is a reason for someone to guard him tight on the perimeter to facilitate that. If no threat...just contain the dribble and slide behind the screen on D
Eastern = Barlow without the attitude. He's going to be a great player for Purdue and something we've lacked since KB... A pg with size.
It just might be that Eastern is already greater than Barlow, from the sound of things. I can't wait to get a good look at the team.
My thoughts from the first game. I like the fact Eastern was being used as a PG. I believe that is where his future lies rather than at SF. I'm ok Wheeler was used to sub for V Edwards even though it was at PF. I'd like to see Wheeler more at SF, , but it's clear he's ahead of Ewing. And It's clear Taylor will be used mostly at center. It will be interesting what Haarms does to this equation. It was clear Wheeler and Haas need some more time playing together to develop a better chemistry and court awareness of each other.
That's a good comparison. He is just so big compared to other guards. That kid is an ox!
Jon Octeus was another for a year, but I think that Eastern has more natural point guard skills than Octeus.
I love Barlow, but Eastern is an inch or two taller, 20 pounds heavier, just as athletic, better handles, and better decision making.
Eastern may turn out to be one of the best ever PGs to wear a Purdue uniform
it is a shame we cant play haarms. would love to see what he can do. i think his offense could be a help and also rim protection. defense will probably be what he needs to work on most
I think Grady has the respect of his team for giving it his all. I would love the 6'9" center
I didn't get to go to the game last night but if Eastern is just as athletic as Barlow holy s***. Barlow was very athletic that dude had some amazing dunks. He was his worst enemy. Always said without the attitude the sky was the limit for that kid. Easily could have been in the NBA.
He was the national player of the year in Canada last season. I don't know how that would compare to the US, maybe like the top mid-major player in the country. Not near at Biggie's level, but still a really good player.I think Grady has the respect of his team for giving it his all. I would love the 6'9" center
He could probably start for a lot of teams...maybe all I can think outside the pro game
I think Kelsey was a slightly better athlete, but nojel will be a very good player
What may separate Eastern is his ability to finish with both hands. I think that his ability to both finish and pass might make him a huge threat driving to the basket, especially if Painter can surround him with shooters.
How is he at throwing a ball rack with his left hand?
yeah he shot two floaters with his right hand..perimeter and FTs are with his left hand. In one case he was going right for a floater to the baseline and the other was moving to his left through the lane which should have been a left handed shot..little hook or so. Couldn't figure out why he shot that one with his right hand.
Eastern is fearless. He is still adjusting, but his demeanor is what you want to see. He looks like he loves bringing the ball up the floor when a defender challenges him.
I love that he is playing PG in games with this team before the season starts. Can't wait to see this team jell with the talent that is now there.
Agreed. I think Eastern has a tremendous future, as long as he keeps wanting to improve his game. From everything I've read over the last year, he wants to be challenged by better players, which should lift his game. Him and Wheeler are gonna be a great tandem, now we gotta surround them with more talent going forward!
Eastern an Boogie need to watch the palming of the ball...I am sure Izzo will point that out come Big Ten play.....
They do it quick but it is obvious........
They do it quick but it is obvious........
Very good observation and as you said will lead to a few turnovers to say the least.
Better than John Wooden ? In 1932 wooden won the national player of the year and Purdue was awarded the National Championship . IMO the title of best point guard ever is his for eternity .
Hi OB52. Thanks for bringing that up! We need to get back to reality, in real time.
Except Wooden wasn't a 5 star?!?!?
I would put everything I have up that says John would not stand a chance against eastern. Book it!
I think John has the experience edge over Eastern by a few years, and he'd be able to work the refs. Every time Eastern touched the ball, he'd be called for traveling, double dribble, or palming. Every time he touched John, he'd be called for a foul. and every time he argued about the call, he'd be slapped with a T. There is no way Eastern would ever beat John Wooden.
Similar threads
