Let's look at what's happening. In my opinion, it's a question of will and effort.
Purdue's offense was kept in games, at least prior to the last five days, by defensive effort that was unmatched in the nation. I remarked a few days ago about how tremendous the switches on the traps were. That comes from guys hustling from one spot to another. Tonight, I saw Ohio State find the open man time and time again as Johnson and others slowly slid out of the trap.
The second glaring problem, especially this evening was another hustle issue, in my opinion. Purdue accepted the three too easily. Sure, it worked out well as the Ostrich rained fire on the heads of the Bucknuts at a scary pace in the first half. But acceptance of 18+ footers time and time again leads to a lower shooting percentage and fewer chances at the free throw line.
Finally, and maybe most-glaringly, JJ has simply vanished. He's played some large dudes the last few games...but that's nothing new. I noticed a few times tonight he'd call for the ball and would be missed by the guards...after a few failed attempts, he really stopped demanding the ball...and didn't crash the glass at all as Purdue missed time and time again.
The poor vision by Kramer, Grant and Barlow has nothing to do with effort and more to with the fact that two guys that aren't true point guards are playing a lot of point and the third is still a Frosh who's trying to learn his game while adjusting to a speed and intensity, game-in, game-out, that he's never seen.
Many of you have weighed in on the LewJack situation saying he shouldn't be brought back- Tonight you saw the many reasons why he should be brought back into the fold. His vision is/was better than the the guys running the point right now. His quickness is unparalleled by anyone on the team...and while aOSU might have looked like the best full-court press team in America for four minutes tonight, they're far from it. Good point guard play would have made a world of difference in the closing minutes tonight.
A lot of analysts point to Purdue's bench play as a problem...and there's no doubt they're right, the guys coming off the bench aren't doing enough. But, what's a bigger problem is that nearly 70% of the scoring is coming from just two guys the last two games. That's 30% of the points coming from 7 players, for those of you playing at home. It might have been OK for Glenn Robinson and Cuonzon Martin...but this system needs a much more balanced effort to succeed.
Think about this- A former All-BT center, a former All-BT Honorable Mention guard and the team's former MVP are each averaging a combined 15 points/game in the last two contests. We know offense has been a problem at times for this team, but I think this is a new low.
A Herculean, 29-point first half couldn't nudge Purdue into the left column tonight
Before the game, Painter wondered how his team would handle the wake of their first loss. They clearly showed they were shell-shocked. The score, 70-66, shows a team that barely-lost. But, this close loss was really a blow-out in close-loss clothing as a 29-point, single-half effort couldn't propel more momentum and a victory. Keep in mind, Purdue was facing a team in which talent has never been, nor never will be an issue...but coaching and effort might often be questioned. In my opinion, aOSU's effort beat Purdue's...and so did their coaching.
This game demonstrates the current state of our Boiler's will. It's not where it needs to be...not where it should be with a starting five of three Juniors and two Seniors with more awards than any starting five in the history of the school. Make no mistake, all isn't lost, but these guys better re-examine who they are in a hurry, because it gets no easier.
The BT is a meat grinder. For all intents and purposes, Matty and the boys have shoved their hands in and might get pulled all the way in if they're not careful. A tougher-than-last-season Northwestern team hosts Purdue on Saturday in what is now, nearly a must-win. Will the real Purdue please stand up?
Comparo
So, last year our Boiler's season had a predictable rhythm- 2-straight losses would follow a string of 5 or more wins on a multiple occasions. This season, that sort ebb and flow is unacceptable if they want to reach any of the goals they set as a team. A new streak must start Saturday...and their success depends on them making the decision, as a team, to be great.
17 comments:
I think I said this in the comments section of the Kramer/ Soul post...but after watching another poor Barlow performance, 2 points and 5 turnovers, I am willing to reconsider my LewJack stance.
Also, missing 17 (3) pointers, shooting 65% from the charity stripe, and getting outrebounded (AGAIN) are all recipes for a loss IMO.
If we continue to play ball like that, we'll be fortunate to squeeze .500 out of conference play.
Giving up 41 points in the second half = not good.
JaJuan with 4 points = not good (for the 2nd straight game)
KG 1-6 in field goals...these crap percentages are maybe starting to catch up to us.
I agree that defense wins championships, but you can't mail that in either.
It will be interesting to see how this veteran squad responds. Perhaps they need to sit down and watch the tape of the Davidson game to be reminded what it means to start quick...and that they can do it.
This one stings. Two thoughts...
-Need to get the ball to JJ.
-70 points is way too much to give up at home.
This one hurt bad. That was the most stunned I have seen Mackey in a while. I think it is worse than the OT loss to Illinois last year as this game was in hand most of the way. The building was buzzing at halftime and I think everyone there (including the team) thought the game was won.
The LewJack point is a good one. I texted my brother the same thing last night. From what I have heard in interviews from Painter, LewJack can do what he wants, and I think with the pressure from the team and his competitive nature, we will see him in mid-February. I just hope the boys can stay in contention until then.
How does this defensive team allow someone to shoot 51% against them? The Boilers didn't really even force them to take difficult shots either. At least at Wisconsin they were hitting some difficult shots with a hand in their face. Purdue didn't close out on guys. I agree that the usual effort wasn't there.
They better win their next six in a row before going to MSU if they want a remote chance at winning the BT.
A problem I see and maybe I'm the only his to many guys look to pass first. Bryd, Kramer and Smith all had open shots tonight and turned them down. We end going late in the shot clock and chucking up a very low percentage shot. And when these guys do shoot, they are not confident. Kramer's in ability to shoot is making him a liability at this point. Teams are packing the paint against JJ and simply daring him to shoot. Step UP Chris, you are a senior. Act like a leader.
Also, can the sophomore Keaton Grant please come back. You know the one who hit 44% of his three point attempts and averaged 11.2 PPG. In BT games he is 1-7 from three and is averaging under 5 points. When the Boilers could have tied the game last night he turned it over (his fourth of the game) and essentially ended the game. He needs to start playing like a senior with a sense of urgency and not a scared freshman.
Can't forget that this a team that lost 3 of 4 at the end of the regular season. They are a veteran squad and I expect them to rebound. I don't think the sky isn't falling just yet, but that sucked.
Too many negative thoughts but let me toss out:
1. We can stop the JJ jumping to the NBA talk, which I always thought was fantasy. He is not strong enough for BT, let alone NBA. Pro quality players do not disappear like he does.
2. We can also put away Final Four talk. Unless Lew Jack comes back 100% we have no chance and even with him at 100% we are a long shot.
3. Bench is too thin. Smith looks very unathletic vs. BT talent. Bade still too far away from contributing. Wohlford? Byrd has had some moments but not much from him. Barlow is the only sub who can make a BT play but his ball security is killing us.
4. We cannot handle a trapping D of any kind, half or full court. Everyone who throws it at us turns us over 3-4 times before we figure it out. This is partly coaching but also we don't have enough people who can see the court and know what to do. Look out at Northwestern.
5. KG, sadly, is a shell of his soph season.
6. Late in the OSU game someone named Simmons gets an open 3 and swishes it. Byrd gets one and clanks it. Sums up the game.
7. Our D vs Wisco and OSU was not the in your face, take you out of your offense, turnover for easy offense we thrived on earlier this year. We played back on the ball and still guards went by us at will.
Smith didn't bother me nearly as much as he did you. In fact, he's one of the few guys who seems to know his role. That said, he needs to pull the trigger more from behind the arc.
There's a lot wrong, like you said...this is when Painter has a real opportunity to remind us why he earns a lot more than we do.
Can Smith quit pump-faking every time he catches the damn ball though? It's getting very annoying.
Also, I think I could have some good success marketing bumper stickers that read, "Purdue Athletics: Crushing fans' dreams since 1887" What do you think?
This team is worse than last year. No bench. No guard play.
9-9 conference record. 11 seed NCAA.
Step away from the ledge Michael.
Too early to be that silly, Michael. But if you turn out to be right, I'll be ready to give you full marks.
I see 5 more losses, guaranteed. At MSU, At OSU, At Illinois, At Penn St, At Minn.
So, at best, 11-7. But, I'll stick to 9-9 until I someone other than RH, JJ, or EW score more than 7 points.
I agree with Purdue Matt... Michael, dude, take a deep breath. This is NOT the team of last year. Let's let these guys rip off 6 in a row before the MSU game then we'll see how you feel about being 20-2 (8-2). Even though we really blew it last night, OSU was primed and could have beaten any team in America... that's what happens when you have a bonafided first round pick on your team. Turner is the real deal, but maybe this will motivate us to win at OSU for a change. Either way, we'll finish second in the BT at worst... hardly enough to give us an 11th seed. Chill everyone.
Did anyone else notice there were 9 guys on the court who had to play by college basketball rules, while 1 guy was treated as if he were an NBA all-star that never traveled, palmed the ball, and was fouled if you breathed on him? Now I know Evan Turner is a great player and will be in the NBA next year and Purdue still should have won, but that was rediculous!
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