You want to look at our record against the top 3 teams, yet IU only had one win against those teams and had 3 extras opportunities to win another.
Then you want to count only the last ten games. Awesome, let's look at IU those last ten games. In both categories you chose, you lose.
Sure IU could be good this year. I don't see them improving because they will still have the same weaknesses and a thinner bench. Your only shot at beating good teams is to shoot lights out from deep. The Bryant factor of protecting the rim with the facts we know about your teams defensive prowess is funny. You may be able to pull that off in the OC. But once the B1G begins, he will be guarding bigger stronger players with coaches who have scouted his weaknesses. Faster guards and better shooters who will look to break down their man and force Bryant to make a decision. With no backup, he will have the really be special to not give up foils or points. Once he is in foul trouble, your right back to Hartman guarding Hammons. You have one guard to back up your three shooters and want to play faster and use the dribble drive every paossesion. Even without foul trouble, your guys are gonna need a rest if they are going to play better defense.
Sure the point is a question mark for Purdue. But there are three guys in the roster who are strictly point guards. One a senior and a sophomore and frosh. Options like that along with a couple other guys who are able to handle the all well enough that it shouldn't be an issue. There aren't a lot of lock down point guards in the league. IU is probably one of the weakest in this area.
Purdue also has enough guys who can shoot well enough on the perimeter that you won't be able to pack it in for long. Between Stephens, Marhias, Davis and Edwards, you're going to have to choose your poison and hope one or two of them don't get hot.
I would give IU the edge in shooting over Purdue but that's about it. The defense isn't even close. The list play won't be close. You had better hope you hit a good clip because you won't get many rebounds. The team play also isn't very close. IU would win in horse. But Purdue wins in a real game and I expect it to happen again this year.
Purdue was better last year. You added a legit big who can protect the rim. I think you are over simplifying the process Bryant will have to complete to give IU the change you are predicting. He may make you better defensively. But he takes a shooter off the floor and when added to Williams, that's two weak spots teams will exploit when defending you. On defense, he will need to let some plays go to stay out of foul trouble. Good players like Hammons and Biiggie along with Haas as a backup, will make his night on the floor short lived and once again remove your big difference from last year and bring back memories of Yogi guarding the post.
This is why Purdue is flexible this year. Shut down AJ, Swanigan will probably get good looks or if not, bring in Haas. Stephens has an off night, bring on Mathias. Need a quicker 4 to guard Willliams, move Edwards to the four and go small. Hill gets in foul trouble, bring PJ off the bench or let another guard bring the ball up.
This is why I see IU having issues.
Bryant has an off night or gets in foul trouble, Holt has a long night. One of your guards needs to sit or has an off night, one returning backup to cover three slots. Good chance you have to run only two deep threats at a time for extended periods. That removes your one advantage and best chance at beating the good teams in the league.
I do give you credit for at least trying your own opinion. Even if it was to judge Purdue in areas that rhey were better then IU in.
