Purdue Scouting Report

[Waquoit]

Wonder if the gameplan will be to slow it down and run our stuff since it's gotten us this far, or to tell Clingan and Samson to RUN every time we get a board to force Edey to either chase them or give up dunks

Our game plan isn't to slow it down really, it's to attack then run stuff if a good look isn't there. Having our big guys run is SOP for UConn. I honestly think we got this. I don't trust their guards and I don't think Edey is enough.

 

[SwingDog]

Edey has some of the best conditioning I've seen for a guy his size. He could play 40 minutes every game and not show any fatigue

But Clingan and Samson are some of the most agile guys I've seen at 6'10 and 7'2. Wonder if the gameplan will be to slow it down and run our stuff since it's gotten us this far, or to tell Clingan and Samson to RUN every time we get a board to force Edey to either chase them or give up dunks

NC St was bothering Braden Smith with their defense. I don't think he's ever seen a defender like Steph Castle. The best way to stop Edey from dominating is to make sure he can't get the ball. UConn needs to make sure they are making life hell for Purdue's ballhandlers

On Edey's conditioning- I agree to an extent. In a YouTube chat someone made what I think is a great point. While Edey plays nearly 40 minutes per game, he gets a LOT of breaks. Think of all the stoppages in play when he is fouled nearly 10 times per game,and consider how many times he gets to the free throw line. Combine those with all the other timeouts, fouls, and stoppages, and he's not exactly running the Boston Marathon. Not to say he's not in good shape, but at 7'-4" and 300lbs, foul him less, and put him on the line less, and he will tend to get gassed in the later stages of the game.

 

[champs99and04]

They're basically a better version of Creighton defensively in that they rarely foul and invite mid-range shots. Pretty much your standard analytics approach but to an extreme. Edey typically accomplishes more on that end by doing less - he errs much more on the side of underhelping than overhelping, which leads to better shot quality for opponents but limits second chances. One of things this approach does is fool the opponent into thinking it is getting consistently great looks when in reality it's a mirage.

Offensively is where I think they often get mischaracterized. Stopping them isn't as simple as "letting Edey get his" because much like UConn, they run great stuff and leverage his screening & rolling ability into generating great looks even when he doesn't touch the ball. Think Kalkbrenner in terms of the subtle real estate he opens for their shooters and drivers with his constant flipping and sealing, except four inches taller and 50 pounds heavier. Purdue and UConn have two of the best offenses in CBB in large part because screening is really important and giant people make great screeners.

My gut says UConn has a slight edge in this one, but I could easily change my mind by game time because I think both teams are that good. The 6.5 UConn is giving strikes me as an overcorrection in the market, but you could also easily argue based on other trends - like Clingan playing more minutes - that the spread should be closer to 8 or 9. It's one of those match-ups where nothing would really surprise me.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Let's take a look at Purdue's losses and what stands out:

1) at Northwestern, 98-92 (OT)

• Edey goes for 35/14, including 15-20 at the line
• Purdue goes 5-19 from 3, a decent number of looks, just shot poorly; Lance Jones had a particularly rough game
• Purdue outrebounded them 52-27, but actually had fewer field goal attempts on account of a 17-3 turnover differential, also not super sustainable
• Northwestern shot 10-20 from 3, so a +15 from the 3-point line, not necessarily repeatable

2) at Nebraska, 88-72

• by far their worst loss, wasn't close for most of the second half, comparable to our game against SH
• Edey only 15/7 in 30 minutes on 10 shots and 3-5 at the line -- what did Nebraska do?
• Purdue actually attempted 33 3's and hit 13 of them; obviously Nebraska was able to limit Edey and dare their shooters, who actually made a bunch but still lost
• the other side of the court tells the story - Nebraska shot 14-23 (61%) on 3s, also not something we can count on

3) at Ohio State, 73-69

• Edey gets 22/13, but also 6 turnovers in 33 minutes
• Purdue only attempts 9 3s
• maybe they let Edey get his and clamped down on shooters? Seems like something we could emulate
• not super relevant scouting-wise, but notable that Purdue went 20-20 at the line and still lost lol

4) vs. Wisconsin (N) in B1G Tourney, 76-75 (OT)

• Edey went for 28, mostly at the line
• otherwise, shot 5-16 from 3; not a lot of attempts and below-average percentage-wise
• Turnover margin was again a big factor, 16-5, as Wisconsin had over 20 more field goal attempts (though many of Purdue's non-FGA were free throws)

So they've only been bested in regulation twice, and one of those entailed the opponent shooting 60% from 3. The Ohio State game seems like the best sustainable approach. We could let Edey get his while clamping down on everyone else. I think it has to be from straight-up D though, since we don't have the depth to withstand a game where Purdue is shooting 30 FTs.

Purdue also has a pretty impressive slate of wins -- Gonzaga, Tennessee, Marquette, Arizona, Illinois twice. We are unique, but despite the weakness of the Big Ten, they've beaten good teams.

 

[auror]

Has Edey had any foul trouble this year? If so, how did it happen?

In the first half of their Ohio State loss and I believe in their first loss to Northwestern as well (but he still played 38/45 minutes in that one).

Just random contact. He's great at avoiding it in general.

It's not something you can bank on. But you can attack him a bit knowing he won't foul, especially since Clingan is harder to swat cleanly than 6'8" guys. The key is he plays like he's already in foul trouble. So use it.

 

[auror]

The StorrsCentral Alabama scouting report is up as well if you're a subscriber.

 

[auror]

3) at Ohio State, 73-69

• Edey gets 22/13, but also 6 turnovers in 33 minutes
• Purdue only attempts 9 3s
• maybe they let Edey get his and clamped down on shooters? Seems like something we could emulate
• not super relevant scouting-wise, but notable that Purdue went 20-20 at the line and still lost lo

I believe Ohio State did a really good job of pressuring Edey's dribble and catch, similar to what NC State did yesterday. Anytime he was catching or dribbling, they had hands nearby. It put Ohio State into a lot of foul trouble from reaching in, but it just made things difficult on them. The key is how to do that and also clamp everyone else down.

 

[UConnSwag11]

Let's take a look at Purdue's losses and what stands out:

1) at Northwestern, 98-92 (OT)

• Edey goes for 35/14, including 15-20 at the line
• Purdue goes 5-19 from 3, a decent number of looks, just shot poorly; Lance Jones had a particularly rough game
• Purdue outrebounded them 52-27, but actually had fewer field goal attempts on account of a 17-3 turnover differential, also not super sustainable
• Northwestern shot 10-20 from 3, so a +15 from the 3-point line, not necessarily repeatable

2) at Nebraska, 88-72

• by far their worst loss, wasn't close for most of the second half, comparable to our game against SH
• Edey only 15/7 in 30 minutes on 10 shots and 3-5 at the line -- what did Nebraska do?
• Purdue actually attempted 33 3's and hit 13 of them; obviously Nebraska was able to limit Edey and dare their shooters, who actually made a bunch but still lost
• the other side of the court tells the story - Nebraska shot 14-23 (61%) on 3s, also not something we can count on

3) at Ohio State, 73-69

• Edey gets 22/13, but also 6 turnovers in 33 minutes
• Purdue only attempts 9 3s
• maybe they let Edey get his and clamped down on shooters? Seems like something we could emulate
• not super relevant scouting-wise, but notable that Purdue went 20-20 at the line and still lost lol

4) vs. Wisconsin (N) in B1G Tourney, 76-75 (OT)

• Edey went for 28, mostly at the line
• otherwise, shot 5-16 from 3; not a lot of attempts and below-average percentage-wise
• Turnover margin was again a big factor, 16-5, as Wisconsin had over 20 more field goal attempts (though many of Purdue's non-FGA were free throws)

So they've only been bested in regulation twice, and one of those entailed the opponent shooting 60% from 3. The Ohio State game seems like the best sustainable approach. We could let Edey get his while clamping down on everyone else. I think it has to be from straight-up D though, since we don't have the depth to withstand a game where Purdue is shooting 30 FTs.

Purdue also has a pretty impressive slate of wins -- Gonzaga, Tennessee, Marquette, Arizona, Illinois twice. We are unique, but despite the weakness of the Big Ten, they've beaten good teams.

They also were about to lose the NW at home before the refs saved them

 

[ucp990411]

Expect lots of pick and rolls with either Donavon or Samson . They utilize drop coverage which Edey is very slow with.

 

[UConnSwag11]

We’re thinking too much about this.

Put Castle on Smith and have Clingan make Edey receive the ball away from the rim.

Don’t leave the shooters and pressure the guards. Edey is going to get his 20+ & 10+. So be it. Don’t let the guards get going.

It comes down to the refs and will they call it even.

 

[UConnSwag11]

Clingan has played against Dickinson, Bacot, and Kalk (2x) and played extremely well. He’s played against other bigs. Not sure Edey has played as many bigs like Clingan has

 

[auror]

and have Clingan make Edey receive the ball away from the rim.

The "How" on this one is important.

He doesn't just run down the court and turn around, Purdue runs good actions to get him into post position. And he's got probably 25-30 lbs + on Clingan.

 

[speckle]

I think this game is going to be won or lost on the glass. Edey's a stud and he's gonna get his, hopefully not from the line, but giving him and Purdue 2nd and 3rd chances could be a disaster. Box out, rebound, rinse, repeat, and we will have an excellent shot.

 

[bendm]

Purdue has shortened its tourney rotation to 7 players with Gillis (PF) and Heide (SF) the only guys getting minutes off the bench and I don’t think Heide will play at all tomorrow unless they get into foul trouble.

Purdue plays 3 guards (Braden, Jones, and Loyer). They are all great shooters and passers but they are short and slight (Smith and Jones are only 6 foot). Our 3 guards are all bigger and stronger so switch everything on the perimeter. No open 3s.

Kaufman-Ren (6’9 230) is bigger and stronger than Karaban but isn’t much of a scoring threat and only averages 15mpg. Gillis is a stretch PF that plays starters minutes off the bench (20mpg) but at 6’6 he’s a more favorable matchup for Karaban.

We can’t double Edey. Clingan needs to play him straight up without fouling. I don’t care if Edey scores 25 because he will have to work harder than he’s ever had to to get those points against Clingan. It’s finding open 3 pt shooters out of a double team that will kill is.

The most important stat of the night will be Clingans minutes. If he hits 30 minutes by staying out of foul trouble we win.

 

[jibsey]

Purdue has shortened its tourney rotation to 7 players with Gillis (PF) and Heide (SF) the only guys getting minutes off the bench and I don’t think Heide will play at all tomorrow unless they get into foul trouble.

Purdue plays 3 guards (Braden, Jones, and Loyer). They are all great shooters and passers but they are short and slight (Smith and Jones are only 6 foot). Our 3 guards are all bigger and stronger so switch everything on the perimeter. No open 3s.

Kaufman-Ren (6’9 230) is bigger and stronger than Karaban but isn’t much of a scoring threat and only averages 15mpg. Gillis is a stretch PF that plays starters minutes off the bench (20mpg) but at 6’6 he’s a more favorable matchup for Karaban.

We can’t double Edey. Clingan needs to play him straight up without fouling. I don’t care if Edey scores 25 because he will have to work harder than he’s ever had to to get those points against Clingan. It’s finding open 3 pt shooters out of a double team that will kill is.

The most important stat of the night will be Clingans minutes. If he hits 30 minutes by staying out of foul trouble we win.

We double Edey he kicks for open 3’s, cant do it, State got burned. But…they did force some turnovers, Edey went 9-14.

 

[ucp990411]

So who does Lance Jones guard? I look for Tristen to be successful taking the ball to the basket being guarded by a smaller guy

 

[bendm]

So who does Lance Jones guard? I look for Tristen to be successful taking the ball to the basket being guarded by a smaller guy

Smith and Jones have to try and guard Newton and Cam, doesn’t really matter which. neither has a prayer against Castle so Loyer guards him. I like all 3 matchups for us.

 

[huskyharry]

Loyer is the one I would target if UConn were a one-on-one team. Jones and Smith are pesky and try hard. Loyer is just a pretty bad defender. The problem is Edey is behind him. All moot considering UConn isn't really a one-on-one team.

Loyer is the most egregious flopper in college basketball and for some reason that is obscure to me the refs love to reward him for his flopping. So we are doomed!

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Loyer is the most egregious flopper in college basketball and for some reason that is obscure to me the refs love to reward him for his flopping. So we are doomed!

Hopefully we're practicing this:

 

[huskyharry]

Purdue has shortened its tourney rotation to 7 players with Gillis (PF) and Heide (SF) the only guys getting minutes off the bench and I don’t think Heide will play at all tomorrow unless they get into foul trouble.

Purdue plays 3 guards (Braden, Jones, and Loyer). They are all great shooters and passers but they are short and slight (Smith and Jones are only 6 foot). Our 3 guards are all bigger and stronger so switch everything on the perimeter. No open 3s.

Kaufman-Ren (6’9 230) is bigger and stronger than Karaban but isn’t much of a scoring threat and only averages 15mpg. Gillis is a stretch PF that plays starters minutes off the bench (20mpg) but at 6’6 he’s a more favorable matchup for Karaban.

We can’t double Edey. Clingan needs to play him straight up without fouling. I don’t care if Edey scores 25 because he will have to work harder than he’s ever had to to get those points against Clingan. It’s finding open 3 pt shooters out of a double team that will kill is.

The most important stat of the night will be Clingans minutes. If he hits 30 minutes by staying out of foul trouble we win.

Jones is actually not slight but is pretty well built and plays physical defense.
Darth Kylo-Ren plays a very physical style and pounds on defenders to get offensive rebounding position. He will be a tough matchup for AK on defense. It hopefully the refs will pay attention and not let him get away with too much.
So we are doomed, clearly DOOMED!

 

[superjohn]

I see a lot of matchup problems for Purdue because we're going to play Edey straight up when the big man is in there. Clingan has been great about not fouling for a while now, if the refs don't take him out of the game Purdue is going to have trouble keeping up with us.

 

[aburks41]

I see a lot of matchup problems for Purdue because we're going to play Edey straight up when the big man is in there. Clingan has been great about not fouling for a while now, if the refs don't take him out of the game Purdue is going to have trouble keeping up with us.

Just needs to keep his arms straight up the entire time. No reason to get overly aggressive because Edey will get his 20 points no matter what, just make it a little more difficult for him

 

[Hamms30]

Newton has to be smart with the ball. If he drives to the rack, Loyer is going to try to jump in front and flop for a charge. Newton is gonna have to watch that shoulder move of his. Need to limit those types of turnovers.

 

[bazz&boujee]

Can’t believe Danny has waited all this time to pull out the double big

 

[caw]

Loyer is the most egregious flopper in college basketball and for some reason that is obscure to me the refs love to reward him for his flopping. So we are doomed!

That is true, but he is still a horrible defender.

Overall, I imagine they try and replicate Creighton's game plan. Creighton and Purdue have a lot of similarities though Smith is better than Ashworth and Baylor better than Loyer.

 

[tennmike]

I see a lot of matchup problems for Purdue because we're going to play Edey straight up when the big man is in there. Clingan has been great about not fouling for a while now, if the refs don't take him out of the game Purdue is going to have trouble keeping up with us.

If the team can hold them in the 60's like NC State, we win. Purdue can't hold UConn to 75.

 

[huskyharry]

Watching the Utah State Vs Purdue round of 32 game. Two phantom fouls called on Utah State’s Osobor when Edey stumbled on the inside and then a third when Edey bumped into his chest. Those three fouls really titled the game in Purdue’s favor.Two earlier fouls were called against Utah State’s other good big, Johnson, when Kylo Renn bumped into him. Doomed!

 

[BlueDoodle]

Purdue, like the last 3 teams we played and punted into the Sun, are completely over reliant on one man. The only difference this time is we can’t have Castle defend their star, but Clingan is exactly the type of guy you want on Edey. Single coverage, make him work for his 20-25 and more importantly deny them offensive rebounds. I don’t see how they keep within 10 of us unless we go 3-20 from 3 or Clingan gets limited minutes due to foul trouble. Their guards will not be getting wide open 3’s like they’re used to because we won’t have to collapse down on Edey. We are going to score like crazy on them but our defense will win this game. If I’m Hurley I am focusing on getting Spencer looks from 3 and driving to mid-range and have Castle driving to the middle to open them up. Newton will hopefully do more driving to the rim as well. The size and speed advantages we have over them are considerable. We’d have to be really cold shooting or taking lazy end of shot clock 3’s for Purdue to keep up for 40 minutes.

Alabama was more worrisome because they shoot a ton of 3’s, and even though they made almost 50%(!), they lost by 14. Purdue shoots the 3 at 40%, but a large portion of those are wildly uncontested off Edey kick outs. We’ve shot the 3 poorly in the tourney but we’re due. Karaban is the wildcard who could really make this game get away from Purdue early.

I know this sounds Homerish but having watched all their tourney games, we’re a nightmare matchup for Purdue. In a worst case scenario of foul trouble on our bigs we dust off Singare for a few minutes.

Castle in particular has another opportunity to drop 20 in this game if he gets to his spots around the rim and the foul line since they have no one to guard him. Hitting the 3’s against Bama early was nice but he wreck havoc in the middle.

 

[aburks41]

In Luke we trust

 

[Gurleyman]

Purdue is maybe the only team in the country that can watch the game film of our Creighton loss and use the blueprint, so I expect to see a similar scheme (basically Ashworth just trailed Spencer off every screen to take away the three point line and allowed him to get into the paint whenever he wanted, with Kalbrenner waiting … then fronting Karaban and forcing Newton to be a scorer). I’m sure our staff has broken that down and will at least have a counter plan.

Creighton also had the big game from 3 to build a lead and we never found our footing to come back. Illinois was effective defensively against us but we never let them get separation, and Alabama was crazy hot from 3, but we scored enough to still be up 6 at the half. So basically the two things happening in tandem - an effective defensive scheme and crazy hot shooting - was the one time we faced our kryptonite.