In the second half of the IU game, Indiana, in an attempt to climb back into the fray, began full-court pressing us. We looked a little shaky at first, which prompted Dakich to wonder aloud why most teams don't attack us with the press. He alluded to last year's Iowa game and how we came undone under their pressure, and even went as far as to say that a low-seeded-but-athletic NCAA Tourney opponent could slay us with the tactic.
Dakich was right about some of these observations. He was also wrong.
The difference between last year's squad and this year's team was illustrated on one seemingly simple play by Carsen Edwards. With IU's defense attenuated and Purdue's numbers superior on the break, Carsen merely glided all the way to the basket for an easy score.
The thing is, what Carsen did would be impossible for 99.9% of the population.
Which is why I think we need Carsen on the scoring end of our press attack. He's a fearless, athletic finisher unlike any we've had since Moore. I realize that presses aren't always designed to produce turnovers, but are just as often intended to speed the game up and rattle a team out of its offense.
But the best way to defeat this gambit is by punishing the press.
When the goal goes from a) avoiding a turnover so we can set up our offense to b) scoring points in bunches, the pressed team begins to feel empowered by the press rather than intimidated by it. This psychological shift means you're no longer looking to protect a lead but instead attempting to blow the game wide open.
This iteration of Purdue, thanks to Carsen's presence and the improvements made by the rest of the team, need no longer fall prey to this full-court Kryptonite. That's why Dakich (as much as I enjoy him) was also wrong about Purdue's vulnerability. With the right mindset and the right pieces in place, Purdue can destroy a 13-seed's press and advance.
I, for one, am confident in our ability to turn a past weakness into a strength.
Dakich was right about some of these observations. He was also wrong.
The difference between last year's squad and this year's team was illustrated on one seemingly simple play by Carsen Edwards. With IU's defense attenuated and Purdue's numbers superior on the break, Carsen merely glided all the way to the basket for an easy score.
The thing is, what Carsen did would be impossible for 99.9% of the population.
Which is why I think we need Carsen on the scoring end of our press attack. He's a fearless, athletic finisher unlike any we've had since Moore. I realize that presses aren't always designed to produce turnovers, but are just as often intended to speed the game up and rattle a team out of its offense.
But the best way to defeat this gambit is by punishing the press.
When the goal goes from a) avoiding a turnover so we can set up our offense to b) scoring points in bunches, the pressed team begins to feel empowered by the press rather than intimidated by it. This psychological shift means you're no longer looking to protect a lead but instead attempting to blow the game wide open.
This iteration of Purdue, thanks to Carsen's presence and the improvements made by the rest of the team, need no longer fall prey to this full-court Kryptonite. That's why Dakich (as much as I enjoy him) was also wrong about Purdue's vulnerability. With the right mindset and the right pieces in place, Purdue can destroy a 13-seed's press and advance.
I, for one, am confident in our ability to turn a past weakness into a strength.
