Stlboiler23

Isn’t Tacko closer to 7’7? Also a big difference is Tacko averaged 2.5 blocks a game and Haas didn’t even average 1.

Don’t think so re Haas. Kaminski was a totally different player in terms of his style of play, body, athleticism, etc... Bo Ryan was a hell of a coach but he wouldn’t have been able to make Haas an NBA guy.

I think BGleas summed it perfectly. He was never going to be able to turn Haas into a regular contributor in the NBA for example.

You sir hit the nail on the head with the post.

You make a lot of good points here. I think it’s simply those are the recruits that Painter was able to land. He’d love to have guys like Zeller, Vonleh, and Bryant just wasn’t able to land a recruit of that caliber so he went with the best he could you know? Hammons I’d argue wasn’t a true back to the basket guy. He could do that but he did develop a pretty good jumper and could stretch it out to hit 3’s. He was also a pretty solid defender/shot blocker. But his work ethic wasn’t there all the time. If he had Swanigan’s work ethic, I think he’d be getting regular minutes in the league today. I bet Swanigan wishes he had Hammons dimensions lol. Haas was really good but had significant limitations that were never going to change. I think Painter has recruited all types of different bigs though not just plodding guys. Haarms is a great example. He can guard/defend players much smaller than him due to his versatility and quickness. He’s also never going to be a back to the basket guy either with his frame. All in all, I think Painter recruits bigs who are talented regardless of whether they’re a true back to the basket guy or no. Great example is Haarms versus Trevion Williams. I like Trevion and think he’ll be a heck of a college player but does his game translate to the NBA? Probably not too well.

I think you make some really good points. I wonder if guys like Haas, Hammons, and Swanigan would’ve had different NBA careers if they had played elsewhere. I’m biased but I doubt it.

Can you elaborate on why you don’t think he develops bigs? Is it solely because of lack of NBA success? What else?

Depends on which Purdue bigs you’re talking about. Swanigan had/has one of the most impressive work ethics I’ve ever seen. He’s unfortunately a tweener though. Isn’t quick enough to play the 4 but is too small to play the 5. Hammons there was always going to be a question of his motor. Painter absolutely developed him from when he got there to when he left. But I’m not surprised he didn’t last because you can only do so much when it comes to how hard someone wants to work. Johnson like Swanigan was a tweener. Not big enough to be a 5 but also would’ve struggled going against a lot of 4’s as well. He’s made a really good career in Europe but not surprising because of his frame that he didn’t stick in the league. Haas is obvious. He would’ve been a great 5 20-30 years ago but the NBA doesn’t have much room for a plodding 7’2 who can only operate in the paint and isn’t a great defender/rebounder. All in all, I think it’s fair to say that Painter has done a good job developing bigs from the time they get on campus until they leave. Not sure how much blame you can place on him for them not panning out in the league. I think it shows how impressive his coaching is that he’s been able to win as much as he has with really only one guy lasting in the league for more than a few seasons.

I’d argue it’s Painter’s job to do the best to prepare them for the league/get them to the league and feature them as much as he can at Purdue. Once they get there, it’s on the players. Let’s look at Thomas Bryant. He was a good college player but he was drafted mid 2nd round. I’d argue you can attribute his success to his work ethic/what he’s done since he got to the league. It was far from a sure thing when he got drafted that he’d pan out so kudos to him. I didn’t think he’d end up being as good as he’s been.

How Purdue will play through their bigs is a big part of their recruiting pitch. There was some stat a few years back about post touches or something like that and Purdue was near the top. Whether it’s Hammons, Swanigan, Johnson, Landry, Haas, etc... they were featured prominently in the offense.

I really hope Vic can come back and play at the same level he was playing at. I was at the game where he got hurt and man you could hear a pin drop. I stopped caring a long time ago that he played at IU because the dude plays his ass off and is a hell of a player for my favorite NBA team. Hoping to a full recovery and hopefully back before Christmas.

Agreed. Turner and Sabonis should feast on them next year.

Ahh gotcha. Yeah I think their front court will absolutely be worse. They have no one on Horford’s level.

They waived the French guy (Yabusele).

Is Thad def gone?

Plus Jeremy Lamb

This guy is going to be a stud. Got offered by Purdue this week too.

When I allow a car to merge or something similar to that and they don’t wave/acknowledge it at all. Drives me nuts.

Unless you’re famous, no one cares haha.

Was it Rahal’s fault or Bourdais?

You’re good no worries. My buddy is good about finding (potentially illegal) streams that we sync up to the tv haha.

Not going to tell me? Boo

Awesome thread! I’m not going this year but watching at a friends house. I feel like it’s impossible to grow up in Indy and not be into the race haha. One of my favorite weekends of the year. I’m a big Tony Kanaan fan!

Really hope they catch him soon.