Purdue Basketball.
No question, Purdue has been one of the best teams in the nation this season and has one of the best players in Zach Edey.
Due to past circumstances the public, including myself, does not trust Matt Painter when it comes to March. Like last year’s first round exit to Farleigh Dickinson, or how about the year before losing to St. Peter’s in the Sweet 16. What stood out most in these losses was the opponent, no big name powerhouse, Purdue is losing to the Cinderellas.
This season in all of there 3 losses and even in some of the close games that they pulled out, there is one common thread.
The perimeter defense is horrible.
Purdue Basketball Struggles to Defend the Perimeter
All of their losses so far this season has come at the hands of a team with an elite guards. Now what is the cliche about teams in March, guard play will get you to the promise land.
Northwestern and Boo Buie took down Purdue, Ohio State and Bruce Thornton, as well as Nebraska and Kesei Tominaga.
Guards allow Zach Edey to switch out on picks which allows opposing guards to have a field day from the mid range. Edey lacks horizontal quickness which causes him to back up and give a wide open shot.
Come Tournament time if Matt Painter and these Purdue guards do not take perimeter defense seriously, I am afraid the past will repeat itself.
My prediction, Purdue falls in the round of 32.
Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on the X via @RowanDonaghey
Follow Stare Down Sports on the X for all of the latest news and updates @StareDownSports
Leave a Reply