News, notes and observations from 1st basketball practice
As reigning NCAA runner-up Purdue opened fall practice Monday, It was again anticlimactic given the fact that the Boilermakers have practiced two-dozen-some times since June.
But also it was another look at this very familiar, but also quite new, team, one with much to figure out this preseason.
Below, some news, notes, observations and whatever else from the practice and media scrums that followed.
More: More notes from Monday
LINEUPS WILL BE FLEXIBLE
Purdue’s renovating its frontcourt, and has a great deal of flexibility to work with, with multi-positional upperclassman Trey Kaufman-Renn now being the centerpiece.
“It’s the production of it,” Painter said of figuring out which lineups make the most sense. “… You’re waiting to see who’s productive (in the frontcourt). They’ve all had good days. Then you’re just looking at your consistency and your matchups.”
Kaufman-Renn is the key figure, as he’ll be an offensive focal point whether at center next to a more athletic 4 man like Camden Heide or forward next to a 7-footer.
As he moves into some of Zach Edey’s vacated usage, the junior is poised for a breakout season.
“I’ve waited so long for this,” Kaufman said, “and put in a lot of work for this.”
Painter on Kaufman-Renn: “I would be shocked if he’s not an all-conference-caliber player.”
FRESHMAN IMPRESSIONS
Freshman guards Gicarri Harris and CJ Cox are on pace for significant backcourt roles, and rookie center Daniel Jacobsen looms large in Purdue’s new fray at center.
But Purdue clearly loves big man Raleigh Burgess‘ energy and skill and has seen Jack Benter shoot threes as well or better than anyone all off-season, after being sidetracked by illness to start the summer.
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For both players, their participation this season will come down to practicalities and a numbers game, but clearly Purdue’s two primary redshirt possibilities may not make those decisions easy.
There are no decisions to be made with Harris and Cox. They’ve been revelations.
WHERE WILL BERG FITS IN
Center Will Berg seems to have made a mark this off-season.
On screening: “He’s one of the best screeners we’ve had,” offensive coordinator P.J. Thompson said. “Maybe it’s that European style engrained in him, but he’s a great screener. He’s legal in what he’s doing and creates a lot of space for our guards to come off and make decisions.”
On rebounding: “He rebounds, like, the best I’ve seen,” Braden Smith said. “Other than Zach, obviously.”
Painter appreciated Berg’s effort and productivity in mop-up minutes and seems high on the 7-foot-2 center’s progress this off-season.
Jacobsen is going to fit in at center, too. Painter said the 7-4 center’s shot-blocking potential “has to be a weapon for us.” The coach has pushed the freshman and made mention of the difference between the 18-year-olds he played well against for USA Basketball this summer and the 24-year-olds (still) playing in the Big Ten.
ONE MAN MISSING MONDAY
The only player missing Monday was senior Caleb Furst, who’s dealing with a minor illness
