The Difference Between the IU and PU Squads

[Stuhoo 79,586]

It's time for me to posit a theory on Purdue and IU bball without the usual trash talking:

 

Over the past three or four years, other than two top fifteen players (Cody and Noah), the coming out of high school "star power" of IU and Purdue has been pretty similar. Both squads have a bunch of four and three star players, and both have plenty of athleticism. Don't think so? Anthony Johnson, AJ Hammons, Kendall Stephens, Kelsey Barlow and Ronnie Johnson, among others, have all been four stars with excellent athleticism. In addition, Matt Painter has previously proven that he can coach when given four star talent.

 

So, what is the difference between Yogi and Ronnie, between AJ and our bigs, and between Stephens or Davis and our wings?

 

I'll tell you what the difference is: Coach Crean has said it again and again, and he means it. The primary characteristics that Coach Crean recruits for that Matt Painter does not are character, intelligence, and work ethic.

 

If any of you have coached youth sports, you'll know that there is always a kid or two that looks great during tryouts, but never grasps the team concept. Purdue currently has a whole lotta players that were very, very good when their high school team cleared out for them as the primary option. However, those kids do not have the work ethic, character, or intelligence to buy into the team concepts of using their athleticism to play team defense, share the ball, and space the court. 

 

Kentucky had similar problems last year, and may have them again this year.

 

Good for Coach Tom Crean, and great for Indiana University basketball.

[All_Hoosiers 873]

Without Robbie Hummel, Purdue just doesn't have a very good culture.


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[mamasa 15,135]

Great read! I agree 100%. This is why I'm thrilled with Max Hoetzel coming in. He may not have the accolades that some other recruits do, but has the characteristics you mentioned (plus, I think he has a high ceiling). Your reasons are why I try not to get caught up in second- guessing Coach!!


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[mdn82 25,510]

I honestly think the main difference is, we recruit and typically GET the exact type of player who fits our program.  Painter recruits and typically has to settle more than Crean.  He doesn't get terrible players, but he would tell you more times than not it is not his first pick.  2014 was the first year in a while Crean struggled a bit in recruiting and we still get 2 players ranked higher than any PU player since Moore.  That is the difference.  We have Cody, Christian, Mo, JB, Robert Johnson, Yogi, Hanner, Jeremy, Troy, and Noah who are ranked higher than any player PU has through 2014, unless I am forgetting about someone, but every player I mentioned is hovering around 40 when we got them or higher.  I think Kendall and Bryson will be solid players for them.  AJ will be solid, but won't have the career they thought.  He is just not motivated enough.  The Johnson brothers just aren't good.  They are solid on their best days.  Beyond that, they have nobody that can match up, especially in modern NCAA where you can't win by making a game ugly.  They shoot at this point barely better than us, but beyond that we are far superior in every area.  Talent wise, we are only going to be better.  They will win maybe 2 out of 10 games against us going forward unless Painter nabs either a high 4* or 5*.    

[JaybobHoosier 11,839]

I like this thread :) can't argue here! That's why I really like coach in this aspect. He wants players that fit IU, not players who can just play. You have to have certain qualities he wants, and I appreciate that to the highest degree! IU doesn't have the divas, IU has hard workers with high character.

[Stuhoo 79,586]

I honestly think the main difference is, we recruit and typically GET the exact type of player who fits our program. Painter recruits and typically has to settle more than Crean. He doesn't get terrible players, but he would tell you more times than not it is not his first pick. 2014 was the first year in a while Crean struggled a bit in recruiting and we still get 2 players ranked higher than any PU player since Moore. That is the difference. We have Cody, Christian, Mo, JB, Robert Johnson, Yogi, Hanner, Jeremy, Troy, and Noah who are ranked higher than any player PU has through 2014, unless I am forgetting about someone, but every player I mentioned is hovering around 40 when we got them or higher. I think Kendall and Bryson will be solid players for them. AJ will be solid, but won't have the career they thought. He is just not motivated enough. The Johnson brothers just aren't good. They are solid on their best days. Beyond that, they have nobody that can match up, especially in modern NCAA where you can't win by making a game ugly. They shoot at this point barely better than us, but beyond that we are far superior in every area. Talent wise, we are only going to be better. They will win maybe 2 out of 10 games against us going forward unless Painter nabs either a high 4* or 5*.

Interesting points. I think the best point is when you say that Painter has to "settle". Very true. CTC has been able to bring in talent WITH character, whereas Painter often has to choose between talent OR character.

PS; I am becoming more and more convinced that AJ Hammons is turning into Ralph Sampson Jr......junior.

[EvilleAngler 636]

You mean kids don't grow up in the state of Indiana "dreaming" of playing basketball for that "perennial outhouse" Purdue??????

 

:lol:  :laugh:

Fixed it.....