Would like to see Painter add....

[PU52Chevy]

a true SG....like a Etwaun Moore type....a clutch go to scorer

and

another big to replace AJ and Biggie when he goes.....I know Haas and Taylor will do well but keep the pipeline full.

Excited to see Taylor mature and perform..love that young man..going to be a great player at Purdue.

What's everyone elses thoughts?

 

[BoilerFan#35]

I would love another Etwaun but there are only two or three players like him per class that stay all 4 years.

 

[BoilerinLouisville]

a true SG....like a Etwaun Moore type....a clutch go to scorer

and

another big to replace AJ and Biggie when he goes.....I know Haas and Taylor will do well but keep the pipeline full.

Excited to see Taylor mature and perform..love that young man..going to be a great player at Purdue.

What's everyone elses thoughts?

I think Painter would take a player like Moore every year, but they're hard to come by. The guy is in the league, and is one of the all time greats to play in Mackey.
Personally I think the staff has done a great job over the past 2-3 years of identifying and landing talent. This team could be one of the top teams in the country come March.

 

[BBG]

I think Painter would take a player like Moore every year, but they're hard to come by. The guy is in the league, and is one of the all time greats to play in Mackey.
Personally I think the staff has done a great job over the past 2-3 years of identifying and landing talent. This team could be one of the top teams in the country come March.

Completely agree. I think we are seeing Matt learning from his mistakes and coming up roses on the other side. Not many coaches do that.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

I would love another Etwaun but there are only two or three players like him per class that stay all 4 years.

I agree with this, but I think that Painter was trying to get a somewhat similar player in Cumberland.

Perhaps to a lesser extent, Zach Norvell seems to have some similarities to Moore, but E'Twaun was a pretty unique player, so the comparison can only be taken so far.

I'm sure that Painter would like nothing more than to have another E'Twaun Moore.

 

[woggy718]

A moderately athletic SG who who's unselfish, great jump shot, high basketball IQ, but not so good he has to leave after a year or two. Ummmm, yes please.

As far as Taylor, I'm not sure where the love fest for him comes from. I'm not against him by any means but I just don't see why everyone is so high on him. He hasn't done anything yet. Now I will say he's stayed committed to the program. He's done his part in the weight room. And we haven't seen him play healthy yet. I'm excited to see what he can do, but I'm not in love with him yet like most of the posters here.

 

[njm8845]

I agree with the latest comment on Taylor. I really like everything I've read about him, but that doesn't mean he'll be a 2nd or 3rd team All-B10 player his final two years, which it seems like some are projecting him.

It's funny because it seems like fanbases overestimate the importance of rankings when players are being recruited, but then once they're on the team for a year, suddenly they begin overestimating how much contribution they'll make.

Maybe we just have different definitions of the phrase "great player at Purdue". To me, great is having your jersey in the rafters. Good is All-B10 performer.

 

[GenevaSteve]

If Swaigan stays then VE swings to the 3 as the starter. Stephens can play wing and SG. We have recruited a SG each of the last 3 years so no need there. We could use a center or PF but it will not be easy to attract one given our roster. On the other hand in 2017 we will need a wing, a PF a and a center which is a lot to expect.

 

[feulner]

A moderately athletic SG who who's unselfish, great jump shot, high basketball IQ, but not so good he has to leave after a year or two. Ummmm, yes please.

As far as Taylor, I'm not sure where the love fest for him comes from. I'm not against him by any means but I just don't see why everyone is so high on him. He hasn't done anything yet. Now I will say he's stayed committed to the program. He's done his part in the weight room. And we haven't seen him play healthy yet. I'm excited to see what he can do, but I'm not in love with him yet like most of the posters here.

PU52Chevy basically takes on the 13th man to be his personal favorite. Pretty sure it was Chris Reid previously. Just loves the underdog.

 

[SnowLeopard]

PU52Chevy basically takes on the 13th man to be his personal favorite. Pretty sure it was Chris Reid previously. Just loves the underdog.

No way Jacquil is the 13th man. He is a project sure, but one with a massive upside.

He gets my vote as the player with potentially the largest positive gap between public expectations and personal ceiling

Injuries are so unpredictable, but if he recovers successfully, I suspect Jacquil will be more successful (like Hammons/Haas/Jajuan who were all projects when recruited) than not (Lawson/Hale/Marcius)

 

[njm8845]

I don't like diving into this argument ... it's fine if Taylor's your favorite player. But "favorite" and "great" are two different things. And when people start hyping a player's ability on here, I think it does them an injustice because it raises expectations so much. Let's play this game - if I could guarantee you Taylor averages 10ppg his senior year, would you take it, or let his career play out? I would take those 10 points in a heartbeat.

Just for the record, as seniors, JJ was ranked 42, AJ was ranked 77, and Haas was 71. Taylor was unranked. I guess you can call all of them projects if you want, but let's at least note that all projects are not the same.

Now that I've been much too critical on an optimistic post, did Taylor really have an offer from Maryland? I don't remember hearing that when he committed. And this may not mean much other than good genetics, but I really like him for putting on muscle. For some people it takes a lot of hard work, for others it's easy. Either way, he's definitely a physical specimen.

 

[proudopete]

I don't like diving into this argument ... it's fine if Taylor's your favorite player. But "favorite" and "great" are two different things. And when people start hyping a player's ability on here, I think it does them an injustice because it raises expectations so much. Let's play this game - if I could guarantee you Taylor averages 10ppg his senior year, would you take it, or let his career play out? I would take those 10 points in a heartbeat.

Just for the record, as seniors, JJ was ranked 42, AJ was ranked 77, and Haas was 71. Taylor was unranked. I guess you can call all of them projects if you want, but let's at least note that all projects are not the same.

Now that I've been much too critical on an optimistic post, did Taylor really have an offer from Maryland? I don't remember hearing that when he committed. And this may not mean much other than good genetics, but I really like him for putting on muscle. For some people it takes a lot of hard work, for others it's easy. Either way, he's definitely a physical specimen.

The move to reclassify Taylor has paid off, who now holds offers from Maryland, UMASS, Siena, Iona, NC A&T, LaSalle, Temple, St. Bonaventure, and St. Joseph's. - See more at: http://hoopdreamsmag.com

 

[SnowLeopard]

I don't like diving into this argument ... it's fine if Taylor's your favorite player. But "favorite" and "great" are two different things. And when people start hyping a player's ability on here, I think it does them an injustice because it raises expectations so much. Let's play this game - if I could guarantee you Taylor averages 10ppg his senior year, would you take it, or let his career play out? I would take those 10 points in a heartbeat.

Just for the record, as seniors, JJ was ranked 42, AJ was ranked 77, and Haas was 71. Taylor was unranked. I guess you can call all of them projects if you want, but let's at least note that all projects are not the same.

Now that I've been much too critical on an optimistic post, did Taylor really have an offer from Maryland? I don't remember hearing that when he committed. And this may not mean much other than good genetics, but I really like him for putting on muscle. For some people it takes a lot of hard work, for others it's easy. Either way, he's definitely a physical specimen.

I see where you are coming from. And you are absolutely right to be wary about inflated expectations

I said Taylor will be closer to AJ/Haas/JJ, than he is to Hale/Lawson/Chooch....thats not the same as saying he would be as good as them.

Taylor's final two years in high school were pretty much done in by injuries. His last complete season was sophomore year in high school - at that point in time, he was arguably a better player than JJ/Haas/Hammons

Yes, it has been 3 years since he turned in a completely healthy season

Yes, I remember Jay Simpson

Yes, I realize that there is a very significant chance that Taylor may never return to the development trajectory he was on in 2012

Still, I'm rooting for him to succeed, to achieve the ceiling that Painter obviously saw in him

 

[mathboy]

I see where you are coming from. And you are absolutely right to be wary about inflated expectations

I said Taylor will be closer to AJ/Haas/JJ, than he is to Hale/Lawson/Chooch....thats not the same as saying he would be as good as them.

Taylor's final two years in high school were pretty much done in by injuries. His last complete season was sophomore year in high school - at that point in time, he was arguably a better player than AJ/Haas/Hammons

Yes, it has been 3 years since he turned in a completely healthy season

Yes, I remember Jay Simpson

Yes, I realize that there is a very significant chance that Taylor may never return to the development trajectory he was on in 2012

Still, I'm rooting for him to succeed, to achieve the ceiling that Painter obviously saw in him

Taylor hasn''t had a full season for 3 years. You get rusty and out of shape so quickly in this sport that I think he will have trouble ever capturing his former glory. If he does, it will be after at least a full year staying healthy and playing/practicing every day. All that boils down to not expecting much this year. Maybe for the 2016 season, or his senior season, Taylor can make it back. I just would not put too many expectations in his basket this seaosn.

 

[SIBoiler2]

Taylor hasn''t had a full season for 3 years. You get rusty and out of shape so quickly in this sport that I think he will have trouble ever capturing his former glory. If he does, it will be after at least a full year staying healthy and playing/practicing every day. All that boils down to not expecting much this year. Maybe for the 2016 season, or his senior season, Taylor can make it back. I just would not put too many expectations in his basket this seaosn.

He doesn't HAVE to do much this year. We are deep up front. A few good minutes a game especially as the season wears on and the grind sets in would be as productive as he needs to be. All in preparation for a bigger year next year. He's got four years to spend here now so there is no rush to get it all from him this year.

 

[njm8845]

He doesn't HAVE to do much this year. We are deep up front. A few good minutes a game especially as the season wears on and the grind sets in would be as productive as he needs to be. All in preparation for a bigger year next year. He's got four years to spend here now so there is no rush to get it all from him this year.

Obviously I'm rooting for him to succeed also.

Has there been any info on how he's been playing this summer?

 

[punaj]

How old is Taylor? When I was 19 I thought I was pretty good (at the Co-Rec that is) and then I tore my ACL. I worked to get back to where I was, and as I matured and understood the game more over the years, I was a much better player at 25 than I was at 19. Maybe this doesn't translate to playing at a high major collegiate level, but from what I have heard, he has put on a fair amount of muscle, has gotten to watch/play with Hammons and Haas for a year, and is just now classified as a freshman. I'm definitely rooting for him.

 

[BoilerFan#35]

Here's a question on Taylor does he play like Amile Jefferson of Duke?

 

[RowdyB]

Completely agree. I think we are seeing Matt learning from his mistakes and coming up roses on the other side. Not many coaches do that.

Agree. Heck, a lot of coaches aren't given the chance ... a couple of down years, especially at the bottom of the conference standings, and they're usually packing their bags.

Obviously this past season was key. He fails to get them back in the tourney and who knows what happens. He's likely on the hot-seat this season, maybe looses Hammons to the NBA, doesn't land Biggie ... just don't know.

Still he's managed to rebound nicely. Not quite to the level we saw back in 2007-11, but close. What I do like now is the depth and balance across classes. Playing time was tough sell after the 2007 class, and it still will be at some positions, but at least it's spread out a bit.

As for what I'd like to see ... a versatile wing (tall/long combo), true SF in the mold of Hummel or VE, and a big that can play both PF/C roles if needed.

 

[thenagemj02]

How old is Taylor? When I was 19 I thought I was pretty good (at the Co-Rec that is) and then I tore my ACL. I worked to get back to where I was, and as I matured and understood the game more over the years, I was a much better player at 25 than I was at 19. Maybe this doesn't translate to playing at a high major collegiate level, but from what I have heard, he has put on a fair amount of muscle, has gotten to watch/play with Hammons and Haas for a year, and is just now classified as a freshman. I'm definitely rooting for him.

He turned 20 this past March: http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/jacquil_taylor_894754.html

As for SG interest OP, I don't think there's really a need for any type of 2 until the 2017 class since Stephens, Mathias, and Cline are all projected to be at Purdue through the '16-'17 season.

I would like to see them add a center and have it be James Banks over Schnider Herard, partially because I am somewhat weary of prospects that are borderline overweight and still in HS (although it's worked out pretty well in Hammons' case). Plus, I think Banks can get stronger and grow into his body more. He's at a size that's similar to former UK POY Anthony Davis and might not be as athletic, but I don't think he's a slouch, either.

 

[PU52Chevy]

He turned 20 this past March: http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/jacquil_taylor_894754.html

As for SG interest OP, I don't think there's really a need for any type of 2 until the 2017 class since Stephens, Mathias, and Cline are all projected to be at Purdue through the '16-'17 season.

I would like to see them add a center and have it be James Banks over Schnider Herard, partially because I am somewhat weary of prospects that are borderline overweight and still in HS (although it's worked out pretty well in Hammons' case). Plus, I think Banks can get stronger and grow into his body more. He's at a size that's similar to former UK POY Anthony Davis and might not be as athletic, but I don't think he's a slouch, either.

I am not sure I agree with you...only because the 3 you mention at SG don't have all around games...pure shooters but not go to scorers....
Mathias has the IQ, passing and shooting but no go to the rim skills or rebounding hunger....
Stephens has the shooting, rebounding and some creativity to get an open shot, but lacks the creative passing and go to the basket scoring.....
Cline is TBD...but tape says shooting, passing, not sure on going to basket or rebounding or clutch scorer......

I agree it would be hard to get a stud SG because he would see the log jam at the 2 spot.......but KS could play the 3 spot with his length...not sure on Cline or Mathias at the 3....

I would like to see SG and SF...versatile one's but clutch scorers.....I think Haas, Taylor and Biggie have the middle covered for another year.....

Oh well I am just a fan and these are CMP things to figure out.

Go Boilers! Love our depth and family atmosphere...Boiler Up!

 

[njm8845]

Frankly it seems every position is covered. Is it one of those things where you just start looking at best available instead of covering the country looking for a particular position (eg Carsen)?

I personally would happily take another big - you can never have too much size. And while that's Purdue's strength now, that has the chance to change very quickly.

 

[Dryfly88]

Frankly it seems every position is covered. Is it one of those things where you just start looking at best available instead of covering the country looking for a particular position (eg Carsen)?

I personally would happily take another big - you can never have too much size. And while that's Purdue's strength now, that has the chance to change very quickly.

I agree completely. Get another good big and someone that can score at the D1 level. You can never have too much of either.

 

[toddbrewster]

I think we are well set at SG. We have very 3 players that can make 3's from fair to great. They play good D from good to great and they have a high basketball !Q from very good to great. In case of injury or we want to go really big, we have another fine player to step in.

Whatever Painter is doing is working and we will be a top 10 team.

a true SG....like a Etwaun Moore type....a clutch go to scorer and another big to replace AJ and Biggie when he goes.....I know Haas and Taylor will do well but keep the pipeline full.
Excited to see Taylor mature and perform..love that young man..going to be a great player at Purdue.
What's everyone elses thoughts?

 

[Ryneforpresident]

Top ten, I agree lets rise up and blow the doors off this thing! Btfu!