Editor's Note: I did not have time to try JoePurdue's embed the link code so you'll have to copy and paste the links for now. Sorry.
Good morning Boiler Fans! In the interest of saving time, I'm going to skip the article index that I've done in the past, so I hope you won't mind. Some quick football recruiting news for you:
1. posted by John Walls coach on our recruiting board - John Wall, a TB at Jesuit Prep in Dallas, Texas, received a letter offering him a scholarship to Purdue. Wall is a 5' 11, 190 pound tailback with 4.5 speed. He combines great speed with powerful legs, great vision, and good balance. He gained over 1,500 yards and scored 17 TD's in 2001 for Jesuit, the largest private school in the state. Wall, who lists Purdue as his top choice right now, hopes to visit September 27th. He has a 3.0 GPA at a very demanding college prep school, and he's already scored a 1030 on his SAT. I would not be surprised if he verbally commits after he visits.
2. 4-star DE (6-6, 245 lbs), Doug Van Dyke from MI is down to MSU and Purdue.
3. 4-star OL (6-7, 270 lbs), Joe Thomas from WI has Purdue in his top 5.
4. 3-star OL (6-4, 275 lbs), Nick Fincher from MI is down to Purdue and Northwestern and may decide soon.
5. Safety Bernard Pollard (6-2, 207 lbs, 4.5/40) from IN has Purdue in his top 6.
6. 3-star LB (6-2, 210 lbs, 4.5/40), Corey McKeon from IL visited Purdue a few weeks ago but has 7 offers on his mind.
7. OL (6-5, 275 lbs), Tom Anevski from OH has backed down from Purdue being his leader but says we are equal with other schools.
Chris Pool has a new, FREE message board, so if you have any recruiting questions about kids from the midwest please post them at the following link:
http://citadel.ezboard.com/fpurdueinsiderfrm3
There is a ton of football info from fall camp this week and a STELLAR eyewitness men's hoop pick up play report towards the end of today's edition. Have a great weekend everybody...we are just 22 days away now from the kickoff of Boiler Football 2002!
'Good As Gold': Purdue Football 2002 Feature To Air Throughout State During Month Of August 30-minute season preview produced by Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
Aug. 8, 2002 http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080802aab.html
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - In a cutting-edge marketing and promotions venture, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at Purdue has produced a 30-minute football season preview that will air on television stations throughout the state of Indiana the rest of the month of August.
"Good as Gold: Purdue Football 2002" was developed by director of promotions and advertising Joel Rasmus in conjunction with Teamworks Media of Chicago.
"The expectation of winning has raised the bar at Purdue over the past five years," Rasmus said. "Higher expectations aren't just limited to the final score on Saturday. This television program was produced to inform and entertain the devoted fans, generate excitement within casual fans and help cultivate non-fans into becoming Boilermaker backers. And, of course, we would love to see all those people joining the sea of gold in Ross-Ade Stadium this fall."
"Season preview-type shows have been produced for many years, but this is something totally new," Rasmus said. "We know of no other university that has produced an infomercial type of program to support one of its teams."
* The piece will debut Friday, Aug. 9, on WLFI-TV at 7:30 p.m. EST.
It will air throughout the state on cable access according to the following schedule:
Anderson, Alexandria, Elwood, Chesterfield, Pendleton, Markleville, New Castle Aug. 10-30: 7-7:30 p.m. Aug. 12-14: 5:30- 6 p.m. Aug. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25: 7-7:30 a.m. Aug. 17-18, 24-25: 10:30-11 a.m.
Kokomo, Sharpsville, Windfall, Galveston, Greentown, Hemlock, Oakford, Russiaville, West Middleton Aug. 10-30: 7-7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25: 8:30-9 a.m. Aug. 17-18, 24-25: 9-9:30 a.m. Aug. 27-29: 7-7:30 a.m.
Columbus, Seymour, North Vernon, Scottsburg, Brownstown Aug. 10-27: 7-7:30 p.m.
Lafayette, Mulberry, Battle Ground, Buck Creek, Dayton, Montmorenci, Otterbein, Attica, Williamsport Aug. 10-30: 7-7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 9-9:30 a.m. Aug. 17-18, 24: 10-10:30 a.m. Aug. 28-29: 3:30-4 p.m.
*Please note that out of state Boilers will be able to view the streaming Internet audio/video later on this month at www.purduesports.com, stay tuned.
_________________________________
Lack of passion disappoints Tiller
By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200208090purdue_football1028869366.shtml
"To Purdue coach Joe Tiller's surprise, it took the Boilermakers a little while to warm up to Thursday's first day of practices as an entire team.
The veterans joined the rookies for the opening day of double sessions. Tiller said the Boilermakers were a bit sluggish in the morning but picked things up in the afternoon.
"I was a little disappointed this morning," Tiller said. "I didn't think our energy level was where it needed to be, particularly in light of the fact it was the first practice.
click on the link above for the full story _________________________
Football Practice Report No. 3 Entire teams goes through first two practices
Aug. 8, 2002 http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080802aac.html
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue football team hit the practice field at 7:55 a.m. on Thursday with a full roster intact for its first practice with the entire team on campus.
For the veterans, it was their first workout of the 2002 season as each player was outfitted in shorts, helmets and shoulder pads.
Coaches and players agreed that it was good to have the entire team on the field.
"It was nice to see everyone back," said head coach Joe Tiller. "We had 95 players here today. Everything seemed to go smoothly."
click on the link above for the full story
___________________________
Football Practice Report No. 2 Newcomers go through final two practices before veterans report
Aug. 6, 2002 http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080602aaa.html
WEST LAFAYTTE, Ind. - Newcomers to the Purdue football team took the field for their second day of workouts on Tuesday, after spending Monday in academic and compliance meetings.
Monday's academic focus was appropriate, given that the first week of camp for the new Boilermakers involves a lot of learning- both on and off the field.
"These guys are getting a lot thrown at them," said head coach Joe Tiller. "They came in and practiced on Sunday and then got a lot of academic things taken care of yesterday. Besides practice, they have meetings to attend throughout the day. I think the key will be if they can adjust well when the veterans get here. They have to remember that the coaches will begin spreading their attention to everyone."
click on the link above for the full story ______________________________
Football Holds 2002 Media Day Head coach Joe Tiller answered questions from the media at the 2002 Purdue Football Media Day press conference
Aug. 7, 2002 http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080702aaa.html
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue held its annual Football Media Day on Wednesday, giving the area's media outlets a chance to talk with players and coaches of the 2002 Boilermaker squad. Approximately 30 members of the media were on hand for the event, capped off by a 60-minute press conference with head coach Joe Tiller.
Below is a transcript of several questions posed to coach Tiller.
"We have had some guys look pretty good the last couple of days," Tiller said. "Of course, I can't predict who ultimately will play for us, but I will say this: I think this group is probably closer to the group we had two years ago. It may be the best group we have ever had, and I say that based on athleticism."
click on the link above for the full story
_______________________________
Boilermaker freshmen earn Tiller's praise
By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200208080purdue_football1028784179.shtml
"Purdue coach Joe Tiller continues to be impressed with his latest crop of freshmen.
The rookies have only had four practices, none in pads, but Tiller said during Wednesday's media day activities that physical testing so far indicates they may be the most athletic class he and his staff have recruited.Boilermaker freshmen earn Tiller's praise
"And I would say the best group would be the linemen," Tiller said. "We like the two offensive linemen, Mike Otto and Pat Oxley, although we don't intend on playing them this season."
click on the link above for the full story
______________________________
Purdue's Chaney takes blame
Offensive coordinator looks to Orton, line to boost scoring in 2002
BY JOHN O'MALLEY Times Sports Writer Posted on Thursday, August 8, 2002
"WEST LAFAYETTE -- Many people blamed Purdue's offensive woes last season on the loss of quarterback Drew Brees and the inexperience of replacement quarterbacks Brandon Hance and Kyle Orton.
Others pointed fingers at the offensive line, which had four new starters, little experience outside of center Gene Mruczkowski and allowed 42 sacks.
But Boilermakers offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Chaney says he found the answer for the team's struggling offense simply by looking in the mirror.
"I've got to look at myself,'' Chaney said at Purdue's annual media day gathering at the Mollenkopf Center Wednesday. "The buck stops here. I have to shoulder the responsibility when we're good and when we're bad. And quite honestly, you probably get way too much credit when you're good and a little too much blame when you're bad. It's kind of like the quarterback position."
Boilermakers, returning 17 starters and with strong linebacking corps, feel lack of respect.
By Michael Pointer
michael.pointer@indystar.com
August 08, 2002 http://indystar.com/article.php?pufb08.html,sports
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The last public sighting of the Purdue football team wasn't an attractive one. It apparently stuck in the minds of prognosticators.
After losing five of their last six games and finishing 6-6 last season, capped by a 33-27 loss to Washington State in the Sun Bowl, the Boilermakers are picked to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten by most preseason publications. That's the case even though they return 17 starters and their defense is led by one of the best linebacking corps in the nation.
"We were improved slightly on offense in spring (practice)," coach Joe Tiller said. "But when we went live, our defense just dominated. Any time I've been around a football team where you're good on defense, you're usually pretty good."
click on the link above for the full story _________________________
Tiller: Orton a better fit Purdue coach more comfortable with QB
By CURT RALLO Tribune Staff Writer http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2002/08/08/sports.20020808-sbt-MARS-B1-Tiller__Orton_a.sto
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Kyle Orton has everything Joe Tiller wants in a quarterback. Orton, a 6-foot-4, 209-pound sophomore, has a cannon for an arm and is intelligent enough to pick up the complex system.
On last year...
"We started the season, we knew that Orton wasn't ready," Tiller said. "In spite of all the media's questions and the way we danced around the issues, we really knew deep down Kyle wasn't ready, and we knew we had to go with Hance. And when we had to go with Hance, we had to adjust the offense, and when we adjusted the offense, that didn't work the way we wanted it to. We found ourselves in a deep hole and trying to hang on by our fingernails and hoping like heck our defense could win a game or two for us."
click on the link above for the full story
_________________________
Confident Orton ready to lead Purdue
August 7, 2002 http://www.sportingnews.com/cfootball/ultimate/bigten//articles/20020807/420294.html
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The practice throws always had to be perfect last year for Purdue quarterback Kyle Orton. The execution of the drills had to be flawless and the attitude optimistic.
If he mastered a play, Orton whipped his head around to make sure a coach was watching. That's the life of a backup quarterback, not a top-rated high school recruit unaccustomed to holding a clipboard on the sidelines.
"I didn't want to be a second-string quarterback here," said Orton, a sophomore. "I was just trying to work my butt off the first seven or eight weeks of the year so I'd be given the opportunity. When that opportunity came, I had to take advantage of it, and I think I did a real good job with that."
click on the link above for the full story ____________________________
C. Jemal Horton
Orton understands pressure to get offense back on track
August 08, 2002 http://indystar.com/article.php?jcol08.html
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- He does not have the pressure of being "The Quarterback Who Replaced The Great Drew Brees."
Thank goodness for that.
But that does not mean Kyle Orton does not have pressure.
My, does he have pressure.
There are mounds of it in that fancy, revamped football stadium that sits up on the hill at Purdue. Tons of it in every go-get-'em fist pump that passers-by give him when he walks around town."
click on the link above for the full story
___________________________
Spencer may have talent for Purdue The former Bishop Luers star could fill Boilermakers' void. By Pete DiPrimio of The News-Sentinel
"WEST LAFAYETTE -- Don't use the redshirt word around Purdue freshman defensive end Anthony Spencer. He's not ready and, in truth, he might never be.
There is opportunity amid old Gold and Black. The Boilermakers have a defensive need and Spencer, the former Bishop Luers High School standout, might have the talent to fill it.
"Might" is the key word, considering Spencer's freshman status. He has never tested himself against the Big Ten's best or even the Big Ten's worst. He is young and raw, a rookie in a veteran-dominated league.
"Anthony is an impressive guy. There's a lot of fast-twitch fiber in his body. He's very good. He should be a nice player for us," Spack said."
click on the link above for the full story
___________________________
Goldsberry gives Boilers options
Linebacker may also see time at blocking back
By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200208081purdue_football1028784179.shtml
"Jon Goldsberry isn't one to beat around the bush. "The first two years here have been complete hell," the Boilermaker redshirt sophomore linebacker said Wednesday at the Purdue football team's annual media day.
Before anyone jumps to any wrong assumptions, Goldsberry is happy as a Boilermaker. It's just that he's spent the past two years recovering from a devastating knee injury, when he tore every ligament in his right knee except for the posterior cruciate ligament, as a freshman in 2000.
"That knee injury, I wouldn't wish that on anybody," Goldsberry said. "It's a bad thing. It's just been a long two years, and it's good to be back."
click on the link above for the full story
____________________________
Throwing Strikes
Stuart Schweigert may be the on-field leader Purdue needs
By John Clayton/CNHI Indiana http://www.tribstar.com/display/inn_sports/columnists/news03.txt
August 8, 2002
"WEST LAFAYETTE -- Stuart Schweigert's impressive collegiate football resume continues to grow. It's up to two full pages in the Purdue football media guide.
The ball-hawking free safety tied Purdue's all-time interceptions record as a sophomore. He was a hero in last year's victory over Minnesota -- the difference between a Sun Bowl berth and being home for the holidays for Purdue. He is All-Big Ten. An All-American.
But the key to everything Schweigert hopes to be this season -- and everything the Boilers hope he will be -- is written right there for all to see, away from the football accolades and the stats.
In personal, right after Schweigert's birthday (June 21 if you're wondering), his major is "organizational leadership and supervision."
click on the link above for the full story
______________________
Rehabilitating Gardner faces uncertain season
Linebacker back from broken leg, but depth at position may cause him to be redshirted.
By Michael Pointer
michael.pointer@indystar.com
August 08, 2002 http://indystar.com/article.php?pufbside08.html,sports
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The big test in Gilbert Gardner's rehabilitation from a broken right leg comes Sunday morning.
That's when the Purdue football team takes part in full contact drills for the first time this preseason. It's Gardner's first contact work since suffering the injury against Ohio State on Nov. 9.
"I'll be nervous," the junior linebacker said. "But I'm always nervous before I play. If I wasn't, I would think there's something wrong with me."
click on the link above for the full story
___________________________
Michael Pointer: Purdue Q&A
THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR
August 9, 2002 http://indystar.com/article.php?purdueanswers_p.html
"» Ask a question
Question: Given Joe Tiller's comments about the quarterback in your August 8 article, why did he pick Brandon Hance last year instead of Kyle Orton? These are the comments I'm referring to: "Yes," Tiller said flatly. "I think we have, certainly, a bigger arm at quarterback than we had a year ago. I think this guy's probably a better fit for Purdue -- and a better fit for me ... I just like the quarterback position a little bit better today than I did 12 months ago."
Asked to elaborate on why Orton is a better fit for him personally, Tiller shrugged. "He's not wearing bell-bottom pants," Tiller said. "He doesn't have a tongue stud. All kinds of things. His hair is shorter." (Jim from Naperville, Ill.)"
click on the link above to see Michael's response and others
_______________________________
It's time for Chargers to go with Brees
by Dan Pompei
August 6, 2002 http://www.sportingnews.com/voices/dan_pompei/20020806.html
Yes, Doug Flutie vs. Drew Brees is yesterday vs. tomorrow. But the battle between the 39-year-old and the 23-year-old Chargers quarterbacks is about so much more: Martyball. Locker room politics. City council task forces. Voidable years.
That's why this quarterback competition is the most intriguing in the NFL. To best illustrate the implications of coach Marty Schottenheimer's decision, let's outline some of the issues involved
click on the link above for the full story
______________________ Okobi played well last night.
Posted by: MattG on August 09, 2002 at 07:49:26 - IP 208.147.39.66 http://www.gridironcampus.com/bb/bigten/PUR/messages/22256.shtml
Watched the Steelers/Jets game last night and thought Okobi did pretty well. He took over a center with about 5 min. to go in the 2nd and stayed in for the rest of the game. He moved from center to left guard at some pont in the 4th, but spent the majority of the time at center.
My overall impression was that he played a very solid game. His pass blocking was excellent from the center position, including a couple nice pick-ups where he went inside-out from the center position to pick up an edge rusher. He had good drive when run blocking and showed some very good athleticism while getting out to setup blocks for some screens and one flanker counter.
He seemed a little bit less comfortable after his switch to guard, and the only time I saw him miss a block all night came while playing guard. Late in the 4th, on Pitsburgh's last offensive possetion, he allowed his man to get into the backfield and hit the QB right as he was throwing it. This caused the ball to flutter and it was pciked off.
While the night ended on a down note for our former center, overall he played a very good game as that was his only missed block of the night. Couple that with the fact that he did not commit any penalties (a rarity in pre-season games) and I think he probably helped himself in the eyes of the coaches.
Other players of note for the Steelers were Burress and ARE. ARE played very well from the flanker position. He ran good routes, seperated well from defenders and made the catches he was supposed to make. Burress, played alright, but really wasn't in there long enough for me to make any meaningful evaluation.
_______________________________ Okay, the big boys...
Posted by: BobSienicki on August 07, 2002 at 16:34:49 - IP 63.169.86.68 http://hoopscampus.com/bb/bigten/PUR/messages/39912.shtml
continuing on with the scrimmage assessments from last week, I will offer some thoughts on the big guys...
First of all, I want to make sure everyone knows EXACTLY how I feel about Kevin Garrity. While all of you may want to debate his skills and potential until you're blue in the face, I want to go on record that I am very proud to have a kid of his character and caliber as a member of the Purdue basketball team. After having talked to him on numerous occasions last week and after he spent some quality time talking to my kid, Kevin Garrity is one of the classiest, most courteous and sincere kids you will ever have the privilege to meet. Whether he ever starts for this program or ever averages more than 1 point per game, his presence on the team sets a very positive example for the other teammates in how they should conduct themselves. He is one of the few players who came out on their own to practice outside of the scrimmages (taking off his cast to do it as well) and worked hard at improving his shooting and free throws. He is truly a fine ambassador for Purdue basketball. And if it is my choice between having a team of Kevin Garrity's who finish middle of the pack every year vs. a team of thugs and criminals who go to the final four on a regular basis, then screw the final four IMHO! With the likes of Kevin Garrity, I think he can be a great influence on getting the right kids who might get us to the final four the right way. So say what you will about this kid but you can count me on his side for the remainder of his days at my alma mater!
Now, enough of the sanctimony.
Brett Buscher - Brett played sparingly and, unfortunately, twisted his ankle to put an end to his scrimmaging. From what he told me, the injury is not significant and he should be on the court again around the time school starts. From what I saw of him while he was in the games, he was very aggressive (!!!) and crashed the boards with authority albeit occasionally a little out of control. But after a few years of Purdue's timid rebounding, I'll take a little out of control from anyone! He finishes better around the hole than previously though still missed an occasional point blank when challenged. Of course, when you are challenged by people like Booker and Kartelo, it is not such a crime. His shooting seems about the same and his overall game looks pretty much as it was from last year. He has grown and bulked up but is still pretty thin by comparison to, say, Matt Carroll. My guess is that he is more aggressive, smarter and stronger than last year. That can only help this year. I really think Buscher is one whose game shines more within an organized team game than in street ball scrimmages.
Matt Carroll - Watching him on TV last year, he seemed about the same size as Brett but somewhat softer. That would be freshmen, I guess. Matt Carroll is anything but that now. Do you remember the Jim Rowinski transformation? Well, Matt is huge now. I don't know what weight he is but let's just say that with his mass and muscle, not many bangers in the Big Ten will move him around very easily. He is clearly more physical and active than any of our big people. Booker had his hands full and more in trying to handle Carroll. Plain and simple, this guy is a load! Even Kartelo, as big as he had grown, had trouble pushing him around. As for his game, Carroll runs the floor very well, is absolutely not afraid to go hard to the hole and finish. He definitely looks to be the most aggressive rebounder on the team at this point. Matt can shoot all the way out to the 3 but seems to be most comfortable in the 10-15 ft. range. He also has a really nice, soft jump hook effective out to almost 10 ft. His defense is aggressive and has no problem with holding his ground on the low block. He seems quite good at positioning, footwork and blocking out and doesn't seem prone to trying to block shots. Instead, he seems to simply go straight up and get his hand in your face trying to disrupt the shot rather than swatting at it which tends to result in fouls. He seems to play smart and aggressive at the same time which is very appealing to me. In fact, if he plays good D and boards well in team practice this fall, I would be surprised if he were not the starter at the 4. On the other hand, it was mentioned to me that he might be a candidate for a redshirt especially considering his major I was told. With Booker, Buscher and Kartelo battling him for only two spots, it could be a reasonable idea. However, he just looks too good for that to happen. In fact, most seem to think he is the one who has made the most progress in the off season. From what I saw, I cannot argue!
Chris Booker - This kid is a workhorse and tends to play the baseline or at the low block. He seems quiet and reserved but is not afraid of getting physical. Watching him gave me the impression he was only playing about 50% as you could just sense he could explode at any moment. However, he never really did save for a couple of pretty definitive slams down low. He has good natural footwork and maneuvers well in tight spaces. However, he did try to go over people for rebounds rather than block out. That might have been because he was tired (he played in almost all the scrimmages...) in a hot, humid arena. I wouldn't make too much about that until we see it in games. When he does get good position, he gets the board, plain and simple. He has strong hands and has no problem finishing if he gets loose underneath. His shot range extends to 3 pt territory (doesn't it for all big men??? lol) and he does have a really nice baseline fadeaway J that has nice arch. He did not seem all that excitable but if he gets that way, I don't think you want to get in his way, IMHO. Defensively, he will work you and does not give ground easily. Kartelo and Chris had some pretty good shoving matches out there as he did with Carroll as well. This guy is all business and could be a good one. The question is how intense he can get. Plays very similar to Joe Barry with slightly less quickness but more raw power. It will be a close battle between Booker, Carroll and Kartelo for the two low post starting jobs. And if Buscher has improved, that will make it even closer.
Ivan Kartelo - He is an interesting mix of physical muscle and finesse. He looks definitely bigger than the photos I have seen. Evidently he has been hefting weights quite a bit. In fact, he is even bigger while at the same time more trim than Brad Miller. However, he has a few things to learn from Brad who was clearly not playing at his peak in these games. Brad definitely muscled Ivan and to Kartelo's credit, stood his ground pretty well. As a matter of fact, the two kind of look like clones - at least game wise. Ivan has a nice soft touch all the way out to, you guessed it, 3 pt territory. Yet at the same time he can finish down low. He tends to set up on the high block and then work his way down. He and Booker had some really good wrestling matches with Kartelo getting a slight edge. He seems stronger than Chris but is not as athletic. Ivan also does not work for low inside position off the dribble. He tends to get you on your heels and then spin around and hit the 5-10 ft. J. He is a good rebounder but is not as active as Carroll in getting position. He does have very good footwork but, again due to the playing conditions, may not have been fired up enough to fight around the block outs when he was on offense. On defense, his blocking out seemed quite adequate and when he got his hands on the ball, like Booker, he didn't let go. He runs exceptionally light and well for a big guy but simply cannot keep up with Willie, Lowe and DK. If they don't have a jam on the break and have to kick it out to the perimeter, if they can wait a few moments, they will get plenty of board support from the 3 big guys. Can they wait that long this year? Good question. Kartelo seems pretty smart, has a great attitude and sense of humor and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and bang. If he avoids the usual shooting guard siren song to which all big men seem prone, he could easily become our starting post.
Matt Kiefer - Matt is very fluid and quick for a guy his size. He moves effortlessly around the court. In fact, I could see him possibly at the 3 considering is smooth shooting touch from anywhere on the floor. He is capable of banging but is not as physical as, say, Matt Carroll. He definitely had his hands full with the other Matt but not to the point where he was dominated. He leverages his height quite well on defense and is quick enough on his feet to draw charges from slower moving posts. He is aggressive on the glass but due to his thinner frame, can get pushed out of the lane when going to the offensive glass. Defensively, he seemed adequate at blocking out but definitely needs to bulk up if he is going to play at the 4 or 5. He runs the court well for a guy 6'10" and can finish well with pretty good body control. He moves well without the ball and knows how to cut rather than jog into position. His quickness is what will give him an advantage against other post players. He has a good high release on his shot and was never blocked from what I watched. That might also be partially due to his broad wingspan. He handles the ball well but Brandon and Austin don't need to worry about their jobs. If he improves his driving skills off the dribble and stays lean, he is an interesting option at the 3. If he bulks up and develops a real nose for hanging out in the low block, he could be a very good 4. Maybe even a center. He will be the most versatile of the big men, IMHO.
Kevin Garrity - He did not play in the scrimmages due to his injury but it is worth noting that he would sneak out and ditch the cast in order to practice his shooting. During that time, he appeared to move smoothly with no noticeable limping or favoring the healthy leg. He continues to have a really nice soft jumper with unlimited range and, to his credit, seems to have a very nice form. Squares up, releases high, keeps his legs apart as he jumps and holds his point on release. Very good technique. He indicated he was looking forward to getting out and banging and asserting himself this year. I look forward to it as well. He is a great kid with a good work ethic and great attitude. He deserves our support.
I guess the big question we all have for these big guys is whether anyone will actively block out and hammer the glass this year. Bulk wise, we got the bodies to bang with anybody. The kids all seem pretty smart and play aggressively. Perhaps it is a hunger and self-discipline issue. Someone in the program indicated to me that part of the problem last year was that the guards would not wait for board support before launching their shots. That would tend to reduce a team's offensive board numbers, indeed. If these guys play good low post D to where they don't need the guards to double down, our perimeter D should improve thereby improving our defensive glass performance as well. I am not so concerned about our quick shots and fast breaking style if we are playing well on defense and owning the defensive glass. All of the big guys can throw great outlet passes and if Willie, Kenny, DK or Brandon can get out on the break, who needs offensive glass? All of our guards can finish - the only question is whether they can hit free throws. If Willie or DK can get out on the break in a one on one situation, you can count it as two since those 2 guys have the hops and quickness to beat anyone in the open court. I would love for them to force the drive to the hoop much more often than putting up rainbows. While they can shoot, they are clearly at their most dangerous driving to the hole. And with their springs, they should easily foul out most of the guards they face.
With a few adjustments and a hard nosed defense with relentless boarding, this team could go a long way to being one of Keady's memorable surprise teams. If they improve in the areas we all know they need to work on, we could be talking about this team for years to come. If they do not, the conversations will end come next March. I think we have a great group of kids and look forward to the season and getting these monkeys off everyone's backs...
JMHOAU
__________________________________
PURDUE MENS BASKETBALL: Big Ten Foreign Tour starts on Thursday
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Team to Open Play Saturday in Germany
The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Foreign Tour Team departs for Germany on Thursday with Head Coach Bill Self of Illinois and a group of 12 players from the 11 different League schools. The five-game tour through Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, will conclude on August 18.
2002 BIG TEN MEN'S BASKETBALL FOREIGN TOUR SCHEDULE
Date - Opponent/Event -- Site Aug 8 - Depart for Germany Aug 9 - NO GAME Aug 10 - Tus Treis-Karden Club -- Treis-Karden, Germany Aug 11 - Telecom Basketball Club -- Bonn, Germany Aug 12 - Depart for Belgium Aug 13 - Leige Basketball Club -- Leige, Belgium Aug 14 - NO GAME Aug 15 - Spirou Charleroi Basketball Club -- Charleroi, Belgium Aug 16 - Depart for the Netherlands Aug 17 - Ricoh Astronauts Basketball Club -- Amsterdam, The Netherlands Aug 18 - Depart for United States
Player HGT WGT P CL SCH Hometown (School) Roger Powell 6-6 215 F SO Ill Joliet, IL (Joliet) Sean Harrington 6-3 185 G SR Ill Bartlett, IL (Elgin) Tom Coverdale 6-2 200 G SR Ind Noblesville, IN (Noblesville) Jared Reiner 6-11 255 C JR Iowa Tripp, SD (Tripp-Delmont) Bernard Robinson 6-6 185 F JR Mich Washington DC (New Hampton Prep) Chris Hill 6-3 185 G SO M St Indy, IN (Lawrence North) Ben Johnson 6-3 180 G SR Minn Minnespolis, MN (DeLaSalle) Winston Blake 6-5 197 F SR NWest Plano, Texas (Plano Senior) Jason McDougald 6-9 200 F SO P St Lewisville, NC (Reynolds) Velimir Radinovic 7-0 230 C JR O St Toronto, Ontario (Blakelock) Ivan Kartelo 6-11 247 C SR Pur Split, Croatia Winchendon (Mass) Dave Mader 6-11 240 F JR Wisc Appleton, Wis. (East)
Ivan Kartelo: Sorry Purdue fans, Ivan had a rough day. Just had a hard time understanding what was going on. Has plenty of size and a positive attitude to be a real threat, just not yet. Kartelo has quite a bit of work ahead of him to be one of the best in the Big 10.
"Dean (Las Vegas): There have been rumors that you will take over for Gene Keady at Purdue when he retires in a few years....please put this to rest and tell us you plan to stay at SIU for a very, very long time!
Bruce Weber: Well, it's kind of a logical rumor I guess since I coached there. I was there for 18 years and we had some good success. I'm sure there are some people there that would like me to come back but I'm happy here. I think we have a chance to continue to be successful. I'm worried about getting this team back to the NCAA tournament."
As news organizations move their stories to an archive, some of the links listed above may become inactive
OldGoldFreePress.com is organized & maintained by a group of college sports reporters with the help of Purdue sports fans everywhere. OldGoldFreePress.com is an independent and unofficial Purdue (+ Big Ten Conference/NCAA) sports news site that is not affiliated with Purdue University, the Big Ten Conference, the NCAA and/or any university athletic program.
Share