They gave us all we wanted last yr
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1 out of 10 times, Purdue beats us in that game. 1 out of 10 times the result we got happens. They barely missed their die roll. But 8 out of 10 we destroy them.
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Reminder that the last undefeated NCAA Div 1 national championship men’s basketball team was the 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers some 50 years ago. They closely followed John Wooden 1960’s-70’s era run of UCLA national championship teams. And so it could very well be another 50+ years if it ever happens again.
So if the top 5 ranked team’s fans predicted an undefeated season over the past 50 college basketball seasons, that would make them 0 for 250! What are the odds?
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Of course I don’t think anybody is going undefeated. I’m just saying Purdue is a legit title contender not merely a Top25 team as Pesik is saying
I said it was a hot take.
I recognize how good they look on paper. I recognize they’ll likely still be top 10
But just to push back on what you said a little, Purdue had a close game with us, which feeds into why everyone thinks they’ll be good. That’s actually one of the biggest reasons.
But so did UCF. We only beat UCF by 1 point. Even if UCF returned everyone, they wouldn’t be a title contender. I’m pointing this out to show that close games against one great team don’t automatically mean you’ll be great for a whole season.
Purdue’s issue was defense. They gave up 94 to Wisconsin in regulation, 88 to Illinois, and 86 to Michigan.
In the offseason, Purdue returned its star offensive players and added a notable scoring center, who is poor on defense. Let’s count the Houston game as a loss, even though it was close. Still a loss, like UCF. This is how they finished the season: 1 close game now made them a title contender:
1-6 vs atlarge capable teams
Their X-factor to me is the injured center from last year, 7’4" Daniel Jacobson. I had written him off earlier because he’s insanely skinny, but the fact that he made the U19 team over some major players adds intrigue. Maybe he’s the defensive upgrade.
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If that Jacobsen kid is a decent rim protector they’ll be a top 10 team.
I was not a big Purdue guy. But elite point guard, elite play calling.
That can take you far.
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We didn’t have any problem going through Indy to get to the final four.
Matt Painter does a phenomenal job year in and year out of developing players. It’s him, Few and Sampson in a league of their own. And Painter gets back his best 3 players. Last time Purdue was not a 4 seed or better was 2016, when Purdue was a 5 seed. Last time Purdue was not a 5 seed was in 2015 when they were a 9 seed. Something out of the ordinary would have to happen to them in order for them to not be a 1 or 2 seed
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Purdue was a 4 seed that made the Sweet 16. That’s a fantastic season. They’re legit. Not a title contender last year, but doesn’t mean they can’t be this year. Beat Yale, who made the tourney. Beat Alabama, Ole Miss, Maryland, @ Oregon, Michigan by 27, UCLA, and beat McNeese by 14 in the tournament. Lots of reasons to believe a team coming back after those results will be good again.
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I don’t think anyone ever denied that. As a matter of fact, The hot take was that no matter what, it was still going to be a top 25 team.
The hot take was if they’re going to be the top 4 team everyone was projecting.
I think Purdue played well against us because Cryer had an uncharacteristically bad shooting game.
If it was because of Purdue’s defense against him then they are legit. If it was because Cryer needed time to get used to the depth perception of a big stadium then we have a better chance of beating them again.
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https://x.com/UHCougarMBK/status/1950956898808693220
More evidence Chase and Mercy are doing well this offseason!
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Mercy Miller & Chase Mccarty
Isiah Harwell
Interesting comments from Harwell. Stating he wants to be a One & Done. Showcase this season his 3pt shooting & his defensive capabilities
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40/90 would be awesome and would go along way towards helping him achieve his goal of making the league.
Wow. Recommend watching this to the end.
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NGL that comment about Jwan never hitting a jumper outside 8ft and not needing a stretch 4 got me a little worried about relying on younger skinnier dudes down low. Missing some grown man strength.
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Is Harwell a full participant in practices? I missed it if asked. Sure would be nice if they could step away from the court for interviews.