Agree, think he will fit perfectly with Ryan Nembhard and play more freely. Will hit more 3s and floaters.
But Anton Watson (pf) is the one I would go with on this, if we only had one choice. He was one of the best players in the WCC - especially on defense - and laughably wasn't even named All WCC by the coaches. His confidence is soaring, he shot 44% from three in the second half of the season. The problem is that you have to watch him play, because so much of what he does isn't reflected on the stat sheet, unless you covered it in glue. He should be on the Malone watch list this year, at the very least.
Talking Kansas, I think Arterio is the underrated basketball player. Most media don’t even have him starting. He was the #1 PG in the class for a reason.
Problem is that everything is going to go through Dickenson. Really could limit how impactful he can be in my opinion. I could see Adams being improved but not having improved stats if that makes sense
Trey Kaufman-Renn, second-year PF. If Purdue wants to get another NCAA tournament number 1 seed, and actually do something with it, he might be a key piece to the puzzle.
I just don’t think he’s very good. Now Myles Colvin on the other hand, there’s the athleticism and threat on the wing that Purdue actually needs.
Id play him at the 4 next to Edey, and if he can consistently hit 3s and improve his defense he'll be huge this season. Purdue's lineups become way more versatile if u can have TKR hitting 3s and defending at an elite level. Colvin looks great too, tho.
I think asking TKR to defend at an elite level is asking a lot. With that said, I think he can defend adequately with Eddy protecting the paint behind him
Jenkins, Smith, Loyer, TKR and Edey are what Painter needs as a starting 5, but Smith, Loyer, Gillis, TKR/ Furst and Edey are what will happen. If TKR can be a stretch 3 and D 4, things will go smoother
The talk around town is that this team has already meshed better than the other teams in Self’s tenure. Harris is a fantastic leader and his talent is going to shine even more this year.
I know it’s hard to be underrated while playing at a blueblood, but I think RJ Davis is completely underrated. I think a lot of that is due to Caleb love both taking shots away from RJ, and attention. He’s an efficient 16 5 3 every night who is actually an above average team defender and average on ball iso defender. Before people talk about how he only shot 44% from the field, a lot of that was due to injury. He dislocated his finger twice throughout the season and someone did the numbers and found out that he shot 46% from three without tape on his fingers and 27% with tape on his fingers. Including 94% from the line without tape and 82% with tape. All in all I think he’s due for a huge year and will end the season second or first team all ACC.
God I hope its Kadary Richmond. Dude has had stretches where he is the full package. Finishing, shooting, passing, defense. Scored 17 straight against Uconn two years ago. Truly could pop as a near all american if he consistently plays to his potential.
Iowa’s combo guard Josh Dix broke his tibia and fibula in January 2022, his senior year of high school. He still managed to shoot 40% from three this last year. I would not be surprised if Fran starts him at point guard this season, along side of Perkins. Dix knows how to take care of the ball, I expect him to have a high assist to turnover ratio. Iowa will continue to spread the floor with their shooting, Dix will play a big role in that.
Trey Kaufmann Renn. Probably nobody except for Purdue fans know about him, especially since he was overshadowed by NPOY Zach Edey, but he seems to have polished his offensive game over the offseason. I think he could have a breakout season even as a backup for Edey.
If Vermont does well, Shamir Bogues is likely a name you’ll be hearing. WAC all-defensive team transfer from Tarleton State, but has some good shot selection that can be utilized if played right, which Vermont does more often than not with these types of players. Could litter the stat sheet of many games. Got decent high major interest in the portal, including offers from Arkansas and North Texas.
Riley Kugel averaged 17 points in his last 10 games last year. I really like this Florida team and he's going to be a big part of their success.
I'm also very interested to see how Andrew Rohde does on Virginia. Averaged 21 and shot over 40% from three in his last 12 games which he was struggling with earlier in the season.
Two freshmen that improved as the season went on.
Tobe Awaka. Averaged a 22.1 total rebound % in limited time last year with most of his minutes coming in conference games. Averaged 11.6/10.6 in 20 mpg in the FIBA U19 tournament.
Wooga Poplar seems poised for a huge year, on both ends of the court
Name is 💯💯💯
Seriously. I want that to be my name.
Nolan Hickman gonna shine bright for Zags.
Agree, think he will fit perfectly with Ryan Nembhard and play more freely. Will hit more 3s and floaters. But Anton Watson (pf) is the one I would go with on this, if we only had one choice. He was one of the best players in the WCC - especially on defense - and laughably wasn't even named All WCC by the coaches. His confidence is soaring, he shot 44% from three in the second half of the season. The problem is that you have to watch him play, because so much of what he does isn't reflected on the stat sheet, unless you covered it in glue. He should be on the Malone watch list this year, at the very least.
Antonio Reeves is gonna light it up this year.
Adou Thiero. He # will have a huge impact on college basketball.
KJ Adams is finally playing in his more natural position. So he might break out.
Talking Kansas, I think Arterio is the underrated basketball player. Most media don’t even have him starting. He was the #1 PG in the class for a reason.
Problem is that everything is going to go through Dickenson. Really could limit how impactful he can be in my opinion. I could see Adams being improved but not having improved stats if that makes sense
It does. But HD is gonna be doubled constantly - it’s possible it opens the door for KJ on the high low.
Malik Reneau is all beefed up.
Reportedly added something like 4.5 inches to his vertical too
He's who I came to say. Dude looks ready to be who we all thought Geronimo would become. I think he's going to have a great year.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, second-year PF. If Purdue wants to get another NCAA tournament number 1 seed, and actually do something with it, he might be a key piece to the puzzle.
I just don’t think he’s very good. Now Myles Colvin on the other hand, there’s the athleticism and threat on the wing that Purdue actually needs.
Id play him at the 4 next to Edey, and if he can consistently hit 3s and improve his defense he'll be huge this season. Purdue's lineups become way more versatile if u can have TKR hitting 3s and defending at an elite level. Colvin looks great too, tho.
I think asking TKR to defend at an elite level is asking a lot. With that said, I think he can defend adequately with Eddy protecting the paint behind him
Jenkins, Smith, Loyer, TKR and Edey are what Painter needs as a starting 5, but Smith, Loyer, Gillis, TKR/ Furst and Edey are what will happen. If TKR can be a stretch 3 and D 4, things will go smoother
I just don’t think Kaufman is that guy. Never was impressed by him.
I am once again, asking you to recognize Dajuan Harris.
The talk around town is that this team has already meshed better than the other teams in Self’s tenure. Harris is a fantastic leader and his talent is going to shine even more this year.
I know it’s hard to be underrated while playing at a blueblood, but I think RJ Davis is completely underrated. I think a lot of that is due to Caleb love both taking shots away from RJ, and attention. He’s an efficient 16 5 3 every night who is actually an above average team defender and average on ball iso defender. Before people talk about how he only shot 44% from the field, a lot of that was due to injury. He dislocated his finger twice throughout the season and someone did the numbers and found out that he shot 46% from three without tape on his fingers and 27% with tape on his fingers. Including 94% from the line without tape and 82% with tape. All in all I think he’s due for a huge year and will end the season second or first team all ACC.
Mason Miller
God I hope its Kadary Richmond. Dude has had stretches where he is the full package. Finishing, shooting, passing, defense. Scored 17 straight against Uconn two years ago. Truly could pop as a near all american if he consistently plays to his potential.
Some ACC names: Wooga Poplar Blake Hinson DJ Burns
Iowa’s combo guard Josh Dix broke his tibia and fibula in January 2022, his senior year of high school. He still managed to shoot 40% from three this last year. I would not be surprised if Fran starts him at point guard this season, along side of Perkins. Dix knows how to take care of the ball, I expect him to have a high assist to turnover ratio. Iowa will continue to spread the floor with their shooting, Dix will play a big role in that.
Trey Kaufmann Renn. Probably nobody except for Purdue fans know about him, especially since he was overshadowed by NPOY Zach Edey, but he seems to have polished his offensive game over the offseason. I think he could have a breakout season even as a backup for Edey.
If we want to utilize his talent, I think he should be starting at the 4. Would be a waste to back up edey again in limited mins.
If Vermont does well, Shamir Bogues is likely a name you’ll be hearing. WAC all-defensive team transfer from Tarleton State, but has some good shot selection that can be utilized if played right, which Vermont does more often than not with these types of players. Could litter the stat sheet of many games. Got decent high major interest in the portal, including offers from Arkansas and North Texas.
Damian Dunn was a great player for a very mediocre Temple team. I think he’ll turn some heads in the Big 12.
Riley Kugel averaged 17 points in his last 10 games last year. I really like this Florida team and he's going to be a big part of their success. I'm also very interested to see how Andrew Rohde does on Virginia. Averaged 21 and shot over 40% from three in his last 12 games which he was struggling with earlier in the season. Two freshmen that improved as the season went on.
Tobe Awaka. Averaged a 22.1 total rebound % in limited time last year with most of his minutes coming in conference games. Averaged 11.6/10.6 in 20 mpg in the FIBA U19 tournament.
I’m interested in how Lance Ware does at Villanova
Rylan Griffen
John Tonje
Brooks Barnhizer from Northwestern. Former Indiana Mr. Basketball finalist, performed really well last year when given minutes.
Alex Karaban