Will Haas start rest of season?

[FleeTheScene]

He started a portion last year same as this year and was replaced when we started playing more competitive teams. Part of that was AJs poor start but another was Painer's philosophy that games are called a little tighter at the start and for Isaac to absorb those fouls instead of Aj.

With isaacs great play so far though, does Painter keep the status quo throughout the season? Isaac is scoring when he gets the ball and absolutely wearing out defenders so When Aj comes in he gets a tired first team or a less effective second team to feast on.

What do you think? Is Isaac too raw to compete against better teams' centers or will he keep the job throughout the year and allow Aj to be fresh down the stretch and beat up on second teams?

 

[Heller]

I have absolutely no idea and neither does anyone else no matter what they tell you unless Painter weighs in and he hasn't.

 

[TC4THREE]

I think Haas determines that by whether or not he continues to play well. I think Painter is taking an if-its-not-broke-don't-fix-it approach to the situation. Thus far, Haas has been performing well as a starter and AJ has been great off the bench. As long as both of those things continue, I don't think he switches it up.

 

[SIBoiler2]

He started a portion last year same as this year and was replaced when we started playing more competitive teams. Part of that was AJs poor start but another was Painer's philosophy that games are called a little tighter at the start and for Isaac to absorb those fouls instead of Aj.

With isaacs great play so far though, does Painter keep the status quo throughout the season? Isaac is scoring when he gets the ball and absolutely wearing out defenders so When Aj comes in he gets a tired first team or a less effective second team to feast on.

What do you think? Is Isaac too raw to compete against better teams' centers or will he keep the job throughout the year and allow Aj to be fresh down the stretch and beat up on second teams?

"Too raw????" Haas is better right now than 60% of the centers in the country and is in the top 3-4 in the B1G after one off season of work. Don't know what you're seeing or worrying about.

 

[Dryfly88]

I have absolutely no idea and neither does anyone else no matter what they tell you unless Painter weighs in and he hasn't.

So if we use that logic I guess we might as well shut down the board because there isn't much to discuss....

 

[Heller]

So if we use that logic I guess we might as well shut down the board because there isn't much to discuss....

I wasn't complaining that you posted your thread, just saying there is no way to know what Painter will do. I know what changes I would make......

Hill over PJ
Stephens over Mathias (if Ray is out)
Edwards
Swanigan
Hammons

I don't like Haas and Swanigan on the floor at the same time due to their inability to guard the pick and roll. I would also not hesitate to pull Caleb and slide Vince to the 4 if he is consistently beaten by the opposing 4. That should generate some flack.

 

[Dryfly88]

I wasn't complaining that you posted your thread, just saying there is no way to know what Painter will do. I know what changes I would make......

Hill over PJ
Stephens over Mathias (if Ray is out)
Edwards
Swanigan
Hammons

I don't like Haas and Swanigan on the floor at the same time due to their inability to guard the pick and roll. I would also not hesitate to pull Caleb and slide Vince to the 4 if he is consistently beaten by the opposing 4. That should generate some flack.

1. It wasn't my thread
2. The OP was asking for an opinion "what do you think"
3. I took your response as dismissive and didn't see that it added anything to the discussion.
4. Your second response (this one) I think is spot on and I couldn't agree more, especially about guarding the pick and roll.

I didn't mean to derail the thread, so no more from me on this.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I wasn't complaining that you posted your thread, just saying there is no way to know what Painter will do. I know what changes I would make......

Hill over PJ
Stephens over Mathias (if Ray is out)
Edwards
Swanigan
Hammons

I don't like Haas and Swanigan on the floor at the same time due to their inability to guard the pick and roll. I would also not hesitate to pull Caleb and slide Vince to the 4 if he is consistently beaten by the opposing 4. That should generate some flack.

Tend to agree about the pick and roll.....and because of this you may see AJH start sooner rather than later. I think you want to try and CS out there from the opening tip. This is the type of flexibility CMP has if CS gets in early foul trouble he can move VE to the 4, or if just to give CS a quick rest if needed when IH comes in. JMO, but I like having Hill's attitude and guidance coming off the bench, so I wouldn't be as so inclined to switch there, but can see our point. KS and DM are going to probably be shuffled more than most......again more flexibility with Ray Davis back.

As much as I didn't like some of the defense last night, especially in the first half.....VE showed pretty good ball handling skills in the open floor.....not a new topic or insight, but for some reason, I really noticed it more last night.

 

[Dan'l Boone]

So if we use that logic I guess we might as well shut down the board because there isn't much to discuss....

I love it when this team is playing so well, it is hard for critics to come up with anything to bitch about. In this day and age, that is really saying something.

 

[FiveWeight]

"Too raw????" Haas is better right now than 60% of the centers in the country and is in the top 3-4 in the B1G after one off season of work. Don't know what you're seeing or worrying about.

Better than 60% of the centers in the country? That's the understatement of the year.

I like AJ's experience in crunch time. Last year, late in the season against the best competition AJ seemed to kick it into a different gear. I'd still like to see him get 60% of the minutes and close out games against top teams. We will miss AJ next year, but at the rate Haas is developing he will be a monster if he sticks around.

 

[vilehoopster]

Actually, this is my major complaint with Painter. He plays too many guys trying to keep everyone happy. I will agree that Haas is better than, at least, 60% of the centers in the country, but he's not better than the one who is sitting on the bench waiting to come in. Hammons is clearly better than Haas, offensively and absolutely better defensively, so start him. Hammons sat out his time; he took care of whatever business he had to take care of. Quit, for whatever reason, punishing him and not starting him. Your best players earn the right to start, hear their names during introductions, and be part of tip-off, he is better than Haas, so start him. And I don't even like the idea of Hammons playing 60% and in crunch time. Believe me, Haas is very, very good, but Hammons is better. Unless there's foul trouble, play Hammons (and Vince and Ray when he comes back) at least 30 minutes a game. Play your best players. Hammons was Big Ten player of the week last week and was some sort of all-Big Ten player last year. He deserves to start. And yes, Haas has incredible stats so far this year, but a lot of those stats were built against D-III caliber teams before Hammons was allowed to play. I love Haas, but Hammons is better; he deserves to start.

 

[SIBoiler2]

Actually, this is my major complaint with Painter. He plays too many guys trying to keep everyone happy. I will agree that Haas is better than, at least, 60% of the centers in the country, but he's not better than the one who is sitting on the bench waiting to come in. Hammons is clearly better than Haas, offensively and absolutely better defensively, so start him. Hammons sat out his time; he took care of whatever business he had to take care of. Quit, for whatever reason, punishing him and not starting him. Your best players earn the right to start, hear their names during introductions, and be part of tip-off, he is better than Haas, so start him. And I don't even like the idea of Hammons playing 60% and in crunch time. Believe me, Haas is very, very good, but Hammons is better. Unless there's foul trouble, play Hammons (and Vince and Ray when he comes back) at least 30 minutes a game. Play your best players. Hammons was Big Ten player of the week last week and was some sort of all-Big Ten player last year. He deserves to start. And yes, Haas has incredible stats so far this year, but a lot of those stats were built against D-III caliber teams before Hammons was allowed to play. I love Haas, but Hammons is better; he deserves to start.

Should have just said "Actually this is my CURRENT major complaint with Painter." Suck it up and be happy with what we have. You could have the Clapper courtside then you'd have reason for MAJOR COMPLAINTS.

 

[Chuchumutha]

"Too raw????" Haas is better right now than 60% of the centers in the country and is in the top 3-4 in the B1G after one off season of work. Don't know what you're seeing or worrying about.

I'll take it a step further. Haas may be the second best center in the B1G (2nd to AJ). And top 10% of centers nationally.

 

[lbodel]

He started a portion last year same as this year and was replaced when we started playing more competitive teams. Part of that was AJs poor start but another was Painer's philosophy that games are called a little tighter at the start and for Isaac to absorb those fouls instead of Aj.

With isaacs great play so far though, does Painter keep the status quo throughout the season? Isaac is scoring when he gets the ball and absolutely wearing out defenders so When Aj comes in he gets a tired first team or a less effective second team to feast on.

What do you think? Is Isaac too raw to compete against better teams' centers or will he keep the job throughout the year and allow Aj to be fresh down the stretch and beat up on second teams?

The question for Haas will be how he holds up against consistently quality opponents. It's one thing for a guy his size to excel against teams we just outmatch.

For example, in the Pitt game, Isaac struggled a bit. AJ eventually turned it up and finished the game great for us. AJ's success overshadowed the struggles of Haas at the end of the day.

I definitely think Haas has improved in many areas that will show against any type of opponent, but I still think he has a bit to go in terms of facing higher quality opponents and he will not perform well consistently quite yet (and nothing wrong with that).

And again, I don't know why we focus on who is starting. Last year, Haas was starting almost solely to make sure AJ doesn't get into quick foul trouble. It's not about who starts. The question should be whether his PT remains as high as it has been.

 

[StateStreet123]

Actually, this is my major complaint with Painter. He plays too many guys trying to keep everyone happy. I will agree that Haas is better than, at least, 60% of the centers in the country, but he's not better than the one who is sitting on the bench waiting to come in. Hammons is clearly better than Haas, offensively and absolutely better defensively, so start him. Hammons sat out his time; he took care of whatever business he had to take care of. Quit, for whatever reason, punishing him and not starting him. Your best players earn the right to start, hear their names during introductions, and be part of tip-off, he is better than Haas, so start him. And I don't even like the idea of Hammons playing 60% and in crunch time. Believe me, Haas is very, very good, but Hammons is better. Unless there's foul trouble, play Hammons (and Vince and Ray when he comes back) at least 30 minutes a game. Play your best players. Hammons was Big Ten player of the week last week and was some sort of all-Big Ten player last year. He deserves to start. And yes, Haas has incredible stats so far this year, but a lot of those stats were built against D-III caliber teams before Hammons was allowed to play. I love Haas, but Hammons is better; he deserves to start.

I'll play devil's advocate.

THIS YEAR, during non-conference play, is it better to get MORE players experience - real game time experience - so that it may benefit them (and the team) later? As long as we are still winning - which we are.

Not only does it develop the players for the future but it also keeps them 'happier' as part of the team. More important, it gives the coach real game experience in which to evaluate players to see who is really deserving of extended minutes. Everyone gets a fair shot and has a chance to earn it - and if you dont crack the rotation later at least you know the reason why (painter has a body of work to evaluate and can tell you x, y, and z reasons).

When we get to conference play, shorten the rotation like you suggest. Those that graded out the best will start and get most the minutes. Some players may not like it but will know why. AND, if we should get foul trouble/injury...or even looking to next year...we have actually DEVELOPED players, got them game time experience, and it should pay off. Finally, based on match-ups, one player may be best in a particular situation but a different player in another. So from game-to-game the BEST player to play could be different.

So I disagree with your post, at least at this point in the season. Talk to me in February and I may change my mind....we shall see how it plays out.

 

[toddbrewster]

The biggest question is: why hasn't a 7 footer signed up yet to play for Matt next year?

 

[vilehoopster]

To Reply to Statestreet123: You make a lot of good points and it's best to get people playing time when they can to earn experience, so I will accept that part of your argument. But Haas, and others, can still get a lot of playing time while they can against lesser teams. But sometimes you don't know what teams are lesser teams until the ball tips off. IUPUI stayed pretty close with us for a long time, and lets remember Gardner Webb and N. Florida last season (not that long ago). We certainly thought they were lesser teams. Get you best players on the court right away and see how the game goes, THEN think about getting everyone playing time and experience. Don't forget how much Gardner Webb and N. Florida cost us in seeding in the tournament last spring.

Also, I know everyone has been team first and just happy that things are going so well for the team as a whole, But A. J. has pride, all players have pride; that's what motivates them to work so hard. And he has been a total team player, but he is a senior, and I have to believe that he wants to be starting, and he thinks he deserves to be starting. The truth of basketball players it that every player, if you could see deep into their hearts, believes that under the correct circumstances, that he could and SHOULD be starting. That is the nature of competitive basketball players.

Plus, can it really be helping Hammon's NBA resume that he isn't even starting? Do you really think that A. J. isn't aware of that? Start him. I know he has been totally the Purdue Team first and really cheering on Haas's and everyone's success. But you don't understand players if you don't think he wants to be starting. So my reply is start your best players, play them a lot until you get a feel for the game and have it under relative control, then get other that experience.

 

[PU pit bull]

As long as Isaac keeps putting out hits like this, I see no reason to give him the shaft.......

 

[Jack_Ripper]

As long as Isaac keeps putting out hits like this, I see no reason to give him the shaft.......

View embedded media

Yup...why would you "Shaft" someone who's "Payd the Cost to be the Boss"...

 

[StateStreet123]

Hey Vile,

All good points by you. I certainly do understand the motivation and mindset of a college athlete (I have one). And yes, they want to start and they want to play. And they want the team to do good. They take pride in playing for a team with a good record vs one that doesnt.

I'll leave it that who starts/playing time is a balance for a coach. And I like starting seniors or upperclassmen if there is similar skills/output But the coach just has to know and read his players (this is why I think Hammons will begin starting shortly. Haas is playing GREAT, but so is Hammons). The coach do what is best for EACH player individually and know that whatever those decision are...they MUST be made for the long term benefit of the team. Maybe decisions in March tournament don't need to be for long-term benefit, but preconference should be. AND, long-term benefit is NOT losing to the Gardner Webbs. Agree with that too.

The two difficult spots are PG and Center. I personally think Hammons and Hill will be starting by BIG play. BUT, if either are ineffective or we need more bulk in paint, or better outside shooting......that gets back to matchups and game strategies.....

good discussion...again, like the points you made

 

[purdue4sure]

I think Haas determines that by whether or not he continues to play well. I think Painter is taking an if-its-not-broke-don't-fix-it approach to the situation. Thus far, Haas has been performing well as a starter and AJ has been great off the bench. As long as both of those things continue, I don't think he switches it up.

This. Until AJ clearly earns the starting spot, or Haas loses it, MP won't make a change.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Actually, this is my major complaint with Painter. He plays too many guys trying to keep everyone happy. I will agree that Haas is better than, at least, 60% of the centers in the country, but he's not better than the one who is sitting on the bench waiting to come in. Hammons is clearly better than Haas, offensively and absolutely better defensively, so start him. Hammons sat out his time; he took care of whatever business he had to take care of. Quit, for whatever reason, punishing him and not starting him. Your best players earn the right to start, hear their names during introductions, and be part of tip-off, he is better than Haas, so start him. And I don't even like the idea of Hammons playing 60% and in crunch time. Believe me, Haas is very, very good, but Hammons is better. Unless there's foul trouble, play Hammons (and Vince and Ray when he comes back) at least 30 minutes a game. Play your best players. Hammons was Big Ten player of the week last week and was some sort of all-Big Ten player last year. He deserves to start. And yes, Haas has incredible stats so far this year, but a lot of those stats were built against D-III caliber teams before Hammons was allowed to play. I love Haas, but Hammons is better; he deserves to start.

I agree that Hammons is the best player on the team, but Haas is very good. What I like about Haas is that he draws a lot of fouls and he seems to wear out the opponents. I think that this in turn helps AJ. In fact, Purdue seems to wear opponents down until they hit the wall and then Purdue pulls away late. I think that Purdue's depth overall has a lot to do with this, but Haas is an important part of this. Purdue is relentless and gives up very few easy buckets.

I don't think that NBA scouts care whether Hammons is starting or coming off the bench. He's getting ample opportunity to show what he can do.

 

[CRBoiler]

I agree AJ and Isaac wear teams out so we have an opportunity to pull away the last 10 minutes. So if that's when the center position has the opportunity to feast, maybe those minutes matter more than starter's minutes when the game is close.

Does starting really matter? Or is it more about getting enough minutes and maximizing contribution during those minutes? I have seen it said it matters more (in a reasonably close game) who closes the game than who starts. I think that is true. AJ will be the closer in close games IMO.

 

[FearTheTrain]

Do any of you think starting Haas is to keep AJ fresh through Big Ten season and March? Playing him 20 minutes a game (opposed to 30+) when you are up by double figures is much less wear and tear. As a bonus, it gives Haas a chance to get more experience. I'm sure Hammons would rather be starting late in March than getting his name called first in December against Howard. We all know against better competition that the rotation will change a bit.

 

[dwhitebash11]

I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I'm not opposed to keeping Haas in the starting lineup all year. Him and Biggie down low bring a level of physical intensity that no other team can or will bring to the table to start a game.


After 5 minutes of Haas/Biggie putting those huge bodies on you, posting you up offensively, defensively making your life a nightmare in the paint, it really changes the way the defense thinks in the paint. Then you bring in Hammons, who still has that height and can play physical, but a much more skilled, finesse type of change that stuns the defender almost. Haas puts them to sleep, making the defense try to hold their ground, playing on their heels for better support, and Hammons comes in with his elite footwork takes you to school.


Then you bring Haas back in after the defender wakes up a little bit, starts playing on his toes instead of his heels after being taught a lesson or two from Hammons, and runs into a brick wall in Haas, who easily backs him down for his 5-8 foot hook.


It's so great seeing a team built like this. As an Indiana sports fan (Pacers/Colts/Boilermakers), we're so used to seeing teams built around finesse and speed. The Pacers not so much as of late with Hibbert, but the Colts, for the past 20 years has been built to run past you. Speed, not strength. But when we play the Steelers, Ravens, Patriots, teams that punch you in the mouth, it's just that, we get punched in the mouth and beaten embarrassingly. Now WE'RE that team that bullies you. So if you want a chance at beating us, put your mouth piece in, get your knee and elbow pads on, take some ibuprofen pre-game and halftime, have some icyhot ready, and be prepared to be in a battle you've never thought could be possible in a college uniform.

 

[AZboiler]

I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I'm not opposed to keeping Haas in the starting lineup all year. Him and Biggie down low bring a level of physical intensity that no other team can or will bring to the table to start a game.


After 5 minutes of Haas/Biggie putting those huge bodies on you, posting you up offensively, defensively making your life a nightmare in the paint, it really changes the way the defense thinks in the paint. Then you bring in Hammons, who still has that height and can play physical, but a much more skilled, finesse type of change that stuns the defender almost. Haas puts them to sleep, making the defense try to hold their ground, playing on their heels for better support, and Hammons comes in with his elite footwork takes you to school.


Then you bring Haas back in after the defender wakes up a little bit, starts playing on his toes instead of his heels after being taught a lesson or two from Hammons, and runs into a brick wall in Haas, who easily backs him down for his 5-8 foot hook.


It's so great seeing a team built like this. As an Indiana sports fan (Pacers/Colts/Boilermakers), we're so used to seeing teams built around finesse and speed. The Pacers not so much as of late with Hibbert, but the Colts, for the past 20 years has been built to run past you. Speed, not strength. But when we play the Steelers, Ravens, Patriots, teams that punch you in the mouth, it's just that, we get punched in the mouth and beaten embarrassingly. Now WE'RE that team that bullies you. So if you want a chance at beating us, put your mouth piece in, get your knee and elbow pads on, take some ibuprofen pre-game and halftime, have some icyhot ready, and be prepared to be in a battle you've never thought could be possible in a college uniform.

I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I'm not opposed to keeping Haas in the starting lineup all year. Him and Biggie down low bring a level of physical intensity that no other team can or will bring to the table to start a game.


After 5 minutes of Haas/Biggie putting those huge bodies on you, posting you up offensively, defensively making your life a nightmare in the paint, it really changes the way the defense thinks in the paint. Then you bring in Hammons, who still has that height and can play physical, but a much more skilled, finesse type of change that stuns the defender almost. Haas puts them to sleep, making the defense try to hold their ground, playing on their heels for better support, and Hammons comes in with his elite footwork takes you to school.


Then you bring Haas back in after the defender wakes up a little bit, starts playing on his toes instead of his heels after being taught a lesson or two from Hammons, and runs into a brick wall in Haas, who easily backs him down for his 5-8 foot hook.


It's so great seeing a team built like this. As an Indiana sports fan (Pacers/Colts/Boilermakers), we're so used to seeing teams built around finesse and speed. The Pacers not so much as of late with Hibbert, but the Colts, for the past 20 years has been built to run past you. Speed, not strength. But when we play the Steelers, Ravens, Patriots, teams that punch you in the mouth, it's just that, we get punched in the mouth and beaten embarrassingly. Now WE'RE that team that bullies you. So if you want a chance at beating us, put your mouth piece in, get your knee and elbow pads on, take some ibuprofen pre-game and halftime, have some icyhot ready, and be prepared to be in a battle you've never thought could be possible in a college uniform.

I have yet to see I Haas back anyone down by either putting the ball on the ground and dribbling or working them out. . Haas gets position by getting there first and holding the ground with his size. If it were otherwise he would foul out in 5 minutes.

 

[BoilerBulldog]

I'm not convinced it matters that much. Like others have already said, I think there's strategic value in having Haas feel out the refs at the start of game. Regardless of who starts, AJ will get his 20-25 minutes and Haas will get 15-20 (foul dependent) and in most cases I expect AJ on the floor at the end of both halves.

And I think whether AJ starts has zero bearing on his NBA draft status.

 

[Chuchumutha]

I'm not convinced it matters that much. Like others have already said, I think there's strategic value in having Haas feel out the refs at the start of game. Regardless of who starts, AJ will get his 20-25 minutes and Haas will get 15-20 (foul dependent) and in most cases I expect AJ on the floor at the end of both halves.

And I think whether AJ starts has zero bearing on his NBA draft status.

What I like about this approach is that it allows AJ to play loose especially defensively in the 2nd half. It really lessens the probability that he will have foul trouble.

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

I'm still convinced this is all about keeping AJH out of foul trouble. The only thing with Haas is he never wins the tipoff. Pretty minor. I don't care if AJH ever starts, but I would like to see him play the 4 sometimes if Biggie is having a rough night because...well because TWIN TOWERS.

 

[BoilerFamily]

I agree that Hammons is the best player on the team, but Haas is very good. What I like about Haas is that he draws a lot of fouls and he seems to wear out the opponents. I think that this in turn helps AJ. In fact, Purdue seems to wear opponents down until they hit the wall and then Purdue pulls away late. I think that Purdue's depth overall has a lot to do with this, but Haas is an important part of this. Purdue is relentless and gives up very few easy buckets.


I recall reading some quotes from AJ to the effect that because Haas is an absolute machine in terms of drawing fouls on opposing bigs . . . he/AJ expects the opposing center to have 2 fouls by the time he gets into the game . . . and that he/AJ thinks that is great.

 

[dwhitebash11]

I have yet to see I Haas back anyone down by either putting the ball on the ground and dribbling or working them out. . Haas gets position by getting there first and holding the ground with his size. If it were otherwise he would foul out in 5 minutes.

I never said he backs them down with the ball, be he sure as hell backs them down, or bullies them out of his way without the ball. That takes a serious toll on a defender, and makes them have to use all their strength to keep him out of position. Hence using the heels to get more leverage, more strength, slower response though. Then comes Hammons, better footwork, much quicker, and you can see numerous times immediately after Hammons comes in, that the defender is in that low position, heels on the ground, slow response, and gets burned. Little things like that can and has equate to 6-10 easy points a game for Purdue.

 

[BoilerSmac]

He started a portion last year same as this year and was replaced when we started playing more competitive teams. Part of that was AJs poor start but another was Painer's philosophy that games are called a little tighter at the start and for Isaac to absorb those fouls instead of Aj.

With isaacs great play so far though, does Painter keep the status quo throughout the season? Isaac is scoring when he gets the ball and absolutely wearing out defenders so When Aj comes in he gets a tired first team or a less effective second team to feast on.

What do you think? Is Isaac too raw to compete against better teams' centers or will he keep the job throughout the year and allow Aj to be fresh down the stretch and beat up on second teams?

Let me get this straight:

You think we should screw with a formula that's produced a 9-0 record, the most efficient player in the country, and the reigning B1G player of the week because AJ deserves to start?

If we keep Isaac in the starting lineup, the only thing that will suffer (assuming current productivity continues) is AJ's assault on JBC's Purdue block record, IMHKO.

No, I don't think Isaac is too raw. He's not the rim protector that AJ is, but he's improved quite a bit in that regard, and honestly who is? I would keep things the same unless Isaac's productivity takes a nosedive. CMP has an insane luxury here. I think he's playing it very well.

Here's another perspective. AJ's teammates deserved for their senior teammate to not get his butt in a sling, for whatever reason, so AJ is going to have to be ok with the current situation, since it's of his own doing.

Btw, I haven't seen/heard anything saying that AJ actually has a problem coming off the bench, only speculation on a message board. If there's anyone on the team that probably doesn't care about that, it's probably him, IMHKO.

 

[AZboiler]

I never said he backs them down with the ball, be he sure as hell backs them down, or bullies them out of his way without the ball. That takes a serious toll on a defender, and makes them have to use all their strength to keep him out of position. Hence using the heels to get more leverage, more strength, slower response though. Then comes Hammons, better footwork, much quicker, and you can see numerous times immediately after Hammons comes in, that the defender is in that low position, heels on the ground, slow response, and gets burned. Little things like that can and has equate to 6-10 easy points a game for Purdue.

I'm just responding to your statement "Haas, who easily backs him down for his 5-8 foot hook."
All this aside, How many teams can boast Basketball players of 7'2", 7'0", 6'10" and 6'9" all of whom deserve to start and who would for most top 25 team. But do not because of their teams depth.... I have never heard of such a situation. Have you?

 

[dwhitebash11]

Besides with the typical UK team here and there, no. Hell no. I'm not quite sold on Taylor yet, like many posters are on this board, but I do think he has the potential to be a very good, if not great.


Tip-off time though, I'm out.