Boilers Lose Cinder Block Fight in Iowa City, 58-48

J, Panda and I wrote each other about midway through the second half to try to figure out who would get to have the joy of writing this one up; After a tournament of mother jokes and a mini-spelling bee, I was the champion...so now I get my prize: writing about tonight's loss in Iowa City.

The game was only
slightly prettier than
this painting.

It was tough to start this one so closely after the end of the game...my eyes were still partially bleeding and that makes it difficult to check your own work.  But I'm a Boilermaker, so I powered through it and now I bring you the many highlight from the game.

Donnie Hale and AJ Hammons played well. Hammons had 12 points and 9 rebounds, Hale had 13, but played with a ton of energy and looked to be moving faster than about everyone on the court, except for RonJohn...but the younger Johnson's speed caused him to have some ugly TOs; his ratio was 1:1 (6ast, 6to).  Byrd played OK, but missed a lot of makable shots.

Purdue only got to the line ten times...and made seven of those attempts (pretty solid).  Iowa, conversely, shot 29 FTs, made 21.

Purdue had 16 points at the end of the first half...Iowa had 23.  In the wake of the first half, Purdue's 32 point second half was an absolute offensive explosion; but it still made me tired to watch it.

Purdue's effort was better- Anthrop had a few minutes in which he seemed to be in the right place, right time over and over again.  But Purdue's offense looked extremely inept.  The sharp shooting from the Northwestern game that Byrd and TJohn displayed was nowhere to be found.

Crappy weather (and crappy basketball) kept the fans away from Iowa's Hawkeye-Carver Combo (Boston Market Reference) Arena.  Iowa's 92nd-best RPI rating surely got a huge bump after tonight's game...and in a few weeks, Iowa will be dancing thanks to this quality win over our Boilers.

Alright, maybe not.  As March quickly approaches, Iowa fans will wonder what might have been had a few injuries not affected their Hawkeyes...and we Purdue fans will wonder if our Boilers will be able to climb out of the sewer of the B1G conference standings next season.

Purdue stands at 13-15 (6-9), and the season will mercifully be over in less than two weeks...then, for the first time in over a month, things will get interesting as we wait to see who decides to transfer. I'm still hoping for everybody to stay...but with a warning that if they don't buy in, they won't play. We'll see.

Next up, Purdue goes to Wisconsin to play Bo's Badgers who are very much in the hunt.  Painter has historically been one of the most-successful coaches in the Kohl Center...but I don't see Matty's boys putting up much of a fight on Sunday afternoon; hope I'm very wrong.  Because, like you, I'll be watching and yelling at the TV, regardless of what happens.

Let's talk about the kids for a a few minutes...

Parents, Grandparents, big brothers and big sisters and even regular baby sitters know what Matt Painter's going through right now...as a Dad of a 7 year old and a 3 year old, I can empathize.

I refer to my daughter on here as TBD (Tiny Boilerdowd)...she's kind of like her Dad- bullheaded, smart-alecky, and she poops her pants regularly.  OK, on some things we're not exactly alike...she also has blonde curly hair; something I can only dream about at this point.

She's growing up way too quickly, on one hand- uses chapstick and says it's lipstick like her Mom's. She can sing a song after hearing it only once...and sings it over and over...even if she's only remembering 1/3 of it. She has theories on everything- most aren't right, all are pretty entertaining. And finally, she can put her snow boots on herself...and doesn't need your help, dammit.

She's smart and clever enough to try to trick people into doing things her way.  And back to the diaper thing, she knows she's had an accident...right after it happened.  We keep reminding her that her Mom, Dad, aunts and uncles, brother, grandparents and even some of her friends don't wear diapers anymore...but she's not getting the finite details- you gotta prepare before something bad happens in order to have success...you have to train, listen and change habits in order to make something second nature.  But sadly for my budget, I'm still buying diapers...and things have clicked just yet.

The good news is there's been progress...signs that she might not be wearing diapers when she goes to her prom in 14 years. But in the meantime, I'm kinda stressed about this whole thing...something I never thought I'd be- worried about someone else's digestive activity.

Here's the deal, Purdue fans: Our Boilers haven't forgotten how to hit layups...and the guys who used to be able to bomb from distance (specifically AJohnson), haven't forgotten how to shoot.  But like a toddler, nothing is coming easily for them right now.  Everything takes too much thought, too much effort and too much work to be fluid.

We've all thought it...maybe even aloud- Why aren't these guys like the Baby Boilers back in '07?

Well, there are some key differences that we can look at- That team had three guys who shared the point guard duties, and did it very well.  They didn't turn the ball over very often and two of them played hard and consistent on-ball defense.  Grant and Kramer really weren't made to be point guards...but they brought the ball up the lion's share of the time because they knew their role...and Crump, off the bench, was a seasoned option...Purdue really has no one on the roster who's as comfortable running the point, in the college game, as any of the three of these guys were back in late '07.

But probably more-importantly than who's running the point, this team is learning NOW how to play with together.

I'm aware that Davis played in prep school with Simpson...but Simpson was struggling through injury and wasn't getting a ton of minutes at the beginning of the season.  Now, of course, Simpson isn't playing at all...and hasn't been for a few games.  I also know that Davis played AAU with Hammons...but, once again, Davis' minutes aren't even in the top-7 being played on the roster...so the on-court chemistry between these two is a non-sequiter.

Conversely, Moore, Hummel and Martin played AAU together...not for a summer...but for years, prior to coming to Purdue.  It's probably not a coincidence that they clicked right away, and all three were starters nearly immediately.  It's tough to remember, but JJ took time to develop...and Calasan averaged more minutes than he did during his first season at Purdue.

We've already said that this situation the program is currently growing through has to be laid at the feet of Painter due to recruiting misses and poor program fits. But, you could also say some of the blame could rest on the shoulders of the two guys who should be leading this team right now- Byrd and TJohn have been inconsistent...something the young guys, and the greater team, really can't afford to be around right now. But both 21 and 0 had the luxury the last few seasons of playing behind and with some of the legends of Purdue's program in the last 20 years (if not all time). A consensus All-American (JJ), and a pair of second-team all-Americans and perennial all-conference guys (Smooge, Hummel), a four-year starting point guard (LewJack) and the highest-percentage 3-point shooter in the program's history (Smith) might shoulder a bit of the load. That type of firepower allowed both Byrd and TJohn to be accessories...not focal points.

Now, they must be the guys as this crop of young players simply doesn't have the continuity or maturity, at least yet, to carry this team.  We saw versus Illinois exactly what happens when The Leatherman and TJohn lead...the other guys can fall into their roles.

A few weeks ago, Purdue fans might have felt about their Boilers' season; how I feel about my daughter's quest to become potty-trained: a bit hopeless...at minimum discouraged.

The effort looked minimal, the results even worse...things seemed pretty bleak...improvement was tough to find.

developing...

But now, this team is showing signs of life- RonJohn had 7 assists and only 2 turnovers today...all while being guarded by one of the most-handsy best defensive guards in the league...he also had more steals than the former B1G defensive player of the year. Hammons is clearly coming into his own...a bit quicker than I thought he would as he's demanding double teams from opposing defenses on nearly every possession.  And Rapheal Davis seems to be earning more and more minutes, in important junctures, as he's proving to be one of the only guys on the team that can create scoring opportunities for himself consistently.

The kids in '07-'08 weren't normal- they came in and were difference-makers and grew up within a few games, it seemed. The kids in '12-'13 have taken a bit longer (regardless of the reason why), but make no mistake, they're developing...and even gelling a bit, as the competition gets better and the stakes become higher.

The problem is, this team has already dug itself a sizable hole.  The good news is, there's a ton of basketball left to be played...regardless of what their record is, come March.

Just like parents need to learn to deal with frustrations as part of the process of child development, we as Purdue fans have no choice but watch the development for what it is: a process.  And while it's far from ideal, in fact, this season has been pretty painful at times, I'm pretty sure this is all going to seem worthwhile this time next year and thereafter.

Don't wish this time away...you might miss something pretty great.

Bucknell Bounces Boilers at Mackey 70-65

There's no doubt that the 2007 Baby Boilers and the 2012 Boilers have some similarities...but they're different teams.  This squad is decidedly-bigger than that team, and this one has more offensive firepower with Byrd from the outside and TJohn slashing...but with Agent Zero out due to an ankle he sprained on Wednesday, the similarities become kinda striking.

That team only had a single Senior on the roster...this team has two, but one probably won't see significant minutes this season.  In '06/'07, the Boilers lost their two biggest offensive threats; Landry and Teague...and needed to define itself.  With LewJack, Hummel and Smith gone, Purdue no longer has much of a three point threat (especially without TJohn) and has no one single player that is a go-to guy like 4 was last season.

I didn't like this game too much before I knew that TJohn was out...but with him out, I thought these Boilers would struggle against the veteran-laiden Bison.  Bucknell has all five starters back from last season...but one of them was moved to be a sixth man late last season.  Three Seniors and two Juniors do the lion's share of the work for Bucknell...and tonight their experience showed.

Purdue kept them at an arm's length for much of the night; around a 4-5 point lead, but about midway through the second half, the tide turned slowly and Purdue seemed to lose its grip on the game.  But, the young Boilers squad didn't completely lose control...and the game wasn't really put away until the closing seconds following a missed three by Byrd that would have tied the game.  After two Bucknell defenders ran into each other and ended up on the floor, Byrd was given a wide open look from 22 feet that he didn't knock down.  A moment later, he was visibly upset by the miss.

But, Byrd hit a few big shots down the stretch that almost got Purdue over the hump.  Prior to that, it was tough to ignore an argument between he and AJ.  In fact Byrd was so angry that he had to be held back by Hammons prior to a Bucknell free-throw...and AJ continued to bark at Byrd as they lined up.  I kind of would have liked to see Painter bench on or both of them...but it didn't happen.  The conflict seemed to light a fire under Byrd as he went on a mini-tear afterward.

But I couldn't help but remember a similar argument last season between Hummel and AJ early in the season in which Hummel looked as angry as I ever saw him in a Purdue uni. I don't know if AJ just pisses people off or likes tries to motivate people this way...regardless, he's drawn the ire of two captains in two seasons...I don't know if I'll ever know why, but it's noteworthy.

Hale led the Boilers with 15 points and four rebounds.  RonJohn had 12 and six...and Byrd also had 12 points to go along with three rebounds and 2 assists. AJ had the most-complete game, in my opinion, finishing with 9ast, 8pts, 5reb and 2 steals. He seemed to pick up most of the slack left in TJohn's absence...but I expected more from Byrd.  From what I read in Italy, he didn't take charge in Italy, as he wasn't given a ton of chances.  And this pre-season, in the exhibition games, he was pretty inconsistent. Tonight, once again, it took him a while to get in rhythm.

Purdue held Bucknell to 27 points in the first half...and much of that had to do with the fact that Bucknell was missing a ton of open shots...but in the second half, Purdue's youth showed as stupid fouls led to free throws and Bucknell capitalized.  That said, the officials, who I didn't recognize from the upper ring in Mackey, were pretty damned awful...but they were far from the reason Purdue lost.

Purdue allowed Bucknell's big man to establish himself too many times.  His position deep in the paint led to a double-double...and the rebounds were pretty huge. But Purdue went 7-15 from the free throw line...And there is our game, really.

Not only did Purdue not draw enough fouls, especially for a team that drives to the bucket a lot, but when they had chances, they missed way too many freebies.  And while TJohn looked better in the exhibition games from the FT line, his little brother picked up where he left off last season...going 0-4 from the line.  That's gotta change if Purdue is going to win with regularity this season.

The '07 team was a much better defensive squad right out of the gate...They didn't allow 70 points until the seventh game of the season.  And if this Purdue team is going to make noise this season, it'll take consistent, hard-nosed defense, as the offense doesn't yet have an identity.

In the closing minutes Purdue had multiple opportunities to tighten up the game, but seemed very discombobulated.  I'm not sure if TJohn would have been the guy to hit the daggers or make a game-changing drive, but he probably wouldn't have panicked as Purdue's guards did as time wound down.

Nothing surprised me tonight except for Hale's ability to consistently find the hoop.  I take that back- Lawson's two 19 footers kinda shocked me...but accept for those and a big swat, he was pretty quiet on the night. Hammons looked uncomfortable with the ball- I think he'll settle in.  But, he had a 6'11" guy guarding him who many say is an NBA prospect, and there's no denying that his size and strength will create problems for some teams.  He fills a lot of space and has soft hands; he'll improve.  Simpson's footwork looked very good to me, but following a few nice plays he looked gassed as he stood in the corner as if isolating on an NBA. I think he might be a lot like TJohn the last few seasons...the next month and one half could be hard for him as he struggles to get into game shape.

RonJohn is going to be good.  He's very smooth, has good vision, plays great on-ball defense and finishes improbable drives a la LewJack...but without the tremendous amount of contact at the end of each play. Carroll, Marcius and Simpson all played limited minutes as Purdue played a fast-paced offense for much of the game...but when forced into the half court, Purdue struggled to score.  Davis didn't play as many minutes as I thought he would...but had a great, athletic finish.  I thought he might be the guy to step into 0's minutes, but that wasn't the case.

I'm not sure when TJohn will return, but I don't think he'll be playing in Sunday's game v. Hofstra...But we do know that Matty will need to get his short-handed, youthful Boiler squad ready to play quickly.

Looking for Chemistry: Painter played 12 players as he tried to find the best combo

Hale and Lawson Sign Letters of Intent

In not unexpected news, Donnie Hale and Jacob Lawson have signed their letters of intent to be part of the Purdue basketball 2011 class.

Hale, as many of you know, has wanted to be a Boilermaker for a while, even going so far as to sit out this year and delay the start of his college career to have a spot on the roster.

Still no word yet on Amir Williams, though a decision from the four-star big man is expected next week. Williams visited Purdue two weeks ago. Of course, if he does want to come to Purdue, I'm not entirely sure where they'll put him since they appear to be out of scholarships for next season.

Jeff Washburn, incidentally, thinks Purdue basketball has swung and missed with recruiting lately. I guess we shall see.

2011 Class looking Super-Athletic!!

Matty surprises us again with the verbal from Jacob Lawson...if nothing else, EsPN will wanna show Boiler highlights in a few seasons. Lawson chose Purdue over G'Town, Mississippi, Wake and others. He averaged 14.5pts. last season...but more note-worth, 12.5 rebs...and 5.5 blocks!!

See for yourself part of the reason why Matty likes this kid:


Welcome, Mr. Lawson!!

...And you already know this fella:


Purdue Commit Donnie Hale

What the Hale's the deal?

Many of you already know the name Donnie Hale. He's been a Purdue target for a while...but an apprehensive guy. I know, I mock the early commitment often as the 10 and 11 year-olds make their decisions to play for whomever. But, the reason some guys have to decide so early is because schollies are at a premium.

The same was the case for Hale. Purdue's '10 class was already filling up this time last year. Travis Carroll and Anthony Johnson had decided they'd be Boilers...and another commitment from Terone Johnson a month later made it seem like Hale had lost his opportunity to play at Purdue. As a result of the scholarship situation changing, Painter seemed to back off a bit...but stayed in contact with Hale.

My friends at Xavier told me it was a done-deal that Hale would be a Musky. He had received an offer from Miller, but the offer was no longer on the table after Miller left X. Last weekend, Hale went to Xavier's camp to showcase his abilities...and instead of receiving the offer, Xavier decided to hold off on the 6'8" forward.

While I don't completely understand the NCAA's rules on oversigning, I know coaches like Matta and Calipari have made their living oversigning talented classes. I believe, at this point, Hale is an oversign...which makes this such a good deal for Purdue. If either JJ and/or Hummel decide that '09/'10 is their last season at Mackey, there's room for Donnie...if not, he'll end up in prep school for a season (a la Sandi Marcius, Brad Miller, Chad Austin and others).

From what I've heard, Hale is still raw offensively...still not much of a threat to shoot the ball outside of the lane and lacks strength to compete in the Big Ten, at least out of the box. He's in the top 150, according to Rivals (135, but fell a bit recently). Rankings are funny, they create stars and sometimes snuff out a bright star...and it seems not much has changed for Hale, and that might be the problem. I don't know if he's progressed physically as much as many of the other players in the Rivals 150...but it seems, he's still tremendously athletic despite his lack girth.

At this point he reminds me of a shorter JJ coming out of high school. And I'm not suggesting he'll have the increase in ability that Johnson has had, but many backed off of Johnson because of his lack of strength out of Franklin Central a few years ago. And I've heard from more than one source, JJ has grown at least two inches since coming onto campus.

Aspects of Hale's game and mentality remind me of are, another JJ, Justin Jennings and his team mate Herb Dove. I believe Herb was 6'5" and Jennings, 6'6" (but can't find their info right now), so both were quite a bit shorter than Donnie. Neither was a particularly good shooter, but both played above the rim...both were pretty lean (especially Dove) and both were good defenders.

Regardless if Hale's a role player at Purdue or flourishes and surprises the experts, I'm glad he stayed in state and decided to play in the gold and black.

Welcome Donnie Hale!