Rodney's Improvement

[Lefty2one]

I've tempered my expectations for Purvis ever since it was announced that he was transferring here (coming out of HS I thought he was your usual AAU "athlete" instead of a basketball player) but he had a really strong finish to the season and you've got to like what you see heading into next season. His numbers improved across the board, including a decrease in turnovers. I never thought he'd turn into as good of a 3PT shooter as he is. If he can make layups more consistently and avoid his occasional bone-headed stretches then he can have a really nice senior season. Not to mention his defense, toughness and leadership. He never stops playing hard - and with the way we blew leads and tanked first halfs so often this season he had plenty of chances to stop playing hard but never did. For all the people who've knocked KO's ability to develop players, I have a feeling Purvis is going to quiet that noise a bit by the end of '16-'17.

 

[Waquoit]

The only times Albie took it to the rim successfully was when he was being guarded by Cory Maggette.

 

[Chin Diesel]

More of a Tony Robertson type player than Mouring.

 

[Excalibur]

More of a Tony Robertson type player than Mouring.

Much better comparison, IMO. Both very good standstill 3 pt. shooters who could get to the rim. Robertson was a better finisher and ball handler who could breakdown defenders instead of just bull-rushing to the hoop, but Purvis has a better mid range game.

I wouldn't expect major improvements from Purvis next year. He's a 5th year player who is what he is at this point. His handle isn't going to improve greatly. His best chances for improvement are in his approach -- as someone already mentioned, by attacking the rim instead of shying away from contact, or employing the floater/teardrop from 6-8 feet instead of an out of control, twisting layup.

Even as he is, he will be a major contributor.