Things I learned about the game from Hammer and Rails Open thread

[eastbaycat99]

Here is what I told those yucks at Hammer and Rails:
1) complaining about officiating is the second oldest profession
2) Sunday was a tournament-type game, and Purdue choked. It does not bode well for March.

Those are two excellent points. As someone who reffed basketball and soccer and umpired baseball and softball for years, I will vouch for the consistency of hearing comments on how bad I was from the supporters of teams that lost, but rarely hearing them from teams that won.
The game yesterday actually pay off for Purdue in March. The Cats gave a roadmap on how to beat them, and Painter is a really good coach. I would guess he adjusts his offense before the tournament.

With respect to the officiating, I think Revsine and Bardo made a good point in saying how hard it is to call a game where Edey is playing, since he is so much bigger than anyone else on the court. Fighting for a spot in the low post requires disproportional effort, and in reality it is easy to see the smaller player as the aggressor in a case like that.

 

[SmellyCat]

With respect to the officiating, I think Revsine and Bardo made a good point in saying how hard it is to call a game where Edey is playing, since he is so much bigger than anyone else on the court. Fighting for a spot in the low post requires disproportional effort, and in reality it is easy to see the smaller player as the aggressor in a case like that.

He is enormous. I felt like our guys - even Nicholson - looked like the velociraptors jumping up on the T-Rex at the end of Jurassic Park.

I would say it's easy to see the big guy as an aggressor, just because he looks like a monster and our guys are just villagers trying to stay alive.

 

[stpaulcat]

Edey is how I picture the Vikings, only with a scruffy beard, pointy hat and baggy breeches.

 

[ricko6543211]

Edey is how I picture the Vikings, only with a scruffy beard, pointy hat and baggy breeches.

He looks more to me like a Siberian or East Asian mountain man. He's also impressively articulate and smart - probably incorrectly so but sometimes people that big tend to not seem to be the brightest (hopefully that's not an offensive thing but if so then sorry!) but I think he's a smart dude.

Very curious to see what happens to him in the NBA. I saw one thing that projected him as a 2nd round pick. Given how he shoots FTs (74-75%) he could develop some type of outside shot I think? Which often seems necessary for NBA bigs these days. He has sort of slow foot speed but he's so long that I think he can partly make up for it and avoid being a liability in perimeter defense while providing plus rim protection. He would be worth some post possessions too, although the level of athleticism in the NBA is so high that he wouldn't get the easy buckets that he does against college competition.

My opinion, he's never going to be a top level big man in the modern NBA, but I think he would be worth a flier of a 2nd round pick because I think he could be a very serviceable rotation player / backup center. Feel like people underestimate him a bit because he never does anything outside the post at Purdue - but that's because they don't need or want him to in college, it's just not smart or worth it when he shoots 63% inside.

 

[NUCat320]

He looks more to me like a Siberian or East Asian mountain man. He's also impressively articulate and smart - probably incorrectly so but sometimes people that big tend to not seem to be the brightest (hopefully that's not an offensive thing but if so then sorry!) but I think he's a smart dude.

Very curious to see what happens to him in the NBA. I saw one thing that projected him as a 2nd round pick. Given how he shoots FTs (74-75%) he could develop some type of outside shot I think? Which often seems necessary for NBA bigs these days. He has sort of slow foot speed but he's so long that I think he can partly make up for it and avoid being a liability in perimeter defense while providing plus rim protection. He would be worth some post possessions too, although the level of athleticism in the NBA is so high that he wouldn't get the easy buckets that he does against college competition.

My opinion, he's never going to be a top level big man in the modern NBA, but I think he would be worth a flier of a 2nd round pick because I think he could be a very serviceable rotation player / backup center. Feel like people underestimate him a bit because he never does anything outside the post at Purdue - but that's because they don't need or want him to in college, it's just not smart or worth it when he shoots 63% inside.

I thought the same thing about his shooting percentage. Seems that he could adapt, and 7-4 is tough to replicate.

That said, he can’t handle furious Wildcat hands, so how would he handle NBA defenders?

 

[Username Not Available]

Eddy’s the kind of player who would be awesome for a team built around his skill set and terrible for a team not so built.

But he might be trainable. If he could reliably hit a three, what nightmare he would be.

 

[techtim72]

Why have a 7-4 guy shooting 3's away from the basket where he can get every rebound for half the court? You don't need all that size for that role.

 

[pawildcat_rivals209725]

Eddy’s the kind of player who would be awesome for a team built around his skill set and terrible for a team not so built.

But he might be trainable. If he could reliably hit a three, what nightmare he would be.

Plant him near the basket and let him block shots and grab 15-20 rebounds a game. Why would you ever want a 7-4 guy on the perimeter?

 

[NUCat320]

Plant him near the basket and let him block shots and grab 15-20 rebounds a game. Why would you ever want a 7-4 guy on the perimeter?

Because ‘camp in the post and be huge’ is not a viable offensive strategy in the modern NBA.

 

[Username Not Available]

Plant him near the basket and let him block shots and grab 15-20 rebounds a game. Why would you ever want a 7-4 guy on the perimeter?

Because the NBA teams that like to win have mostly moved away from the "big guy who is useless from more than five feet out" game plan? Apparently having a team of guys who are both outside threats and inside threats wins a lot more games than teams that plant a big guy in the lane to clog things up.

 

[SmellyCat]

And I’m not convinced he’s a good rebounder. Sure, he gets a lot of rebounds, but that’s not the same thing. He definitely has SOME place in the NBA, but he has to be much more than what he is right now.

 

[techtim72]

Because ‘camp in the post and be huge’ is not a viable offensive strategy in the modern NBA.

Fair, but also not viable is a slow, 7-4 guy shooting 3's. You do what brought you. Learning to shoot 3's for Edey is good but not the golden grail. Plus teams have plenty of guys already who shoot 3's so they may figure out schemes to use his size another way.

 

[CappyNU]

Edey can be the next Boban Marjanović

 

[TheC]

Fair, but also not viable is a slow, 7-4 guy shooting 3's. You do what brought you. Learning to shoot 3's for Edey is good but not the golden grail. Plus teams have plenty of guys already who shoot 3's so they may figure out schemes to use his size another way.

The NBA doesn't work that way. First, he can't plant himself in the paint on defense because that is a violation. He also will likely be guarding someone these days who can hit the three, and if not, he will be dragged way out on the high pick and roll, at which point, the quick guards in the league will blow by him. He will be a huge (literally and figuratively) liability on defense. Second, he can't plant himself in the paint on offense because that then means the defending center is now allowed to plant himself in the paint too. This interferes with attempts by your offense to cut to the basket. Also, the centers in the league are quick enough that they will make it very hard for him to shoot over them and he will be harassed even worse than our effective double teams on Sunday.

I predict, much like Tacko Fall, he'll be on someone's G League team and he will be a fan favorite when he comes into a few NBA blowout games, but his career will not go anywhere.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

Because ‘camp in the post and be huge’ is not a viable offensive strategy in the modern NBA.

Neither was "Build your offense around the 3-point shot" until someone did it. I'm not saying he will be a transformative player, but he has a size and skill set that the NBA has not seen very often.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I have a hard time seeing Edey in the NBA. He’d make a good wrestler villain, as he bleeds easily.

 

[StreamCat]

I have a hard time seeing Edey in the NBA. He’d make a good wrestler villain, as he bleeds easily.

Classic, Hungry! Classic!!

 

[loyolacat]

Four Thoughts (all I am capable of)
1. Great win, earned and delivered.
2. Great to see the students enjoying the season and becoming the 6th man...a factor..
3. Purdue may not go far in the Tnmnt...Way more good big men out there in the NCAA universe than there are in the B10. And after Eddey Purdue seems average....and we have given other teams a blueprint.
4. Visiting fans come to NU games with the expectation of dominating the atmosphere,,,like an invading army,,,and dominate the game....and when they dont they loose their...s..t. suffering from embarrassment of traveling so far, missing their kids birthday to just watch the Cats change the script......

 

[Hungry Jack]

TBH, I think PU fans should be pretty worried for March. They wilted under our pressure late.

 

[Sec_112]

TBH, I think PU fans should be pretty worried for March. They wilted under our pressure late.

I was surprised how they just waved the white flag when Berry intercepts the full court pass to Edey. Yeah, if you foul Berry and he misses, it's still an incredible long shot to get two threes in nine seconds. But at least with that scenario you have some chance.

I'll bet this is one of those games that Painter is somewhat happy to lose. Now he has a couple teaching moments between NU and IU.

 

[CappyNU]

TBH, I think PU fans should be pretty worried for March. They wilted under our pressure late.

Two freshman guards is not generally a recipe for success in the tourney.

 

[techtim72]

The NBA doesn't work that way. First, he can't plant himself in the paint on defense because that is a violation. He also will likely be guarding someone these days who can hit the three, and if not, he will be dragged way out on the high pick and roll, at which point, the quick guards in the league will blow by him. He will be a huge (literally and figuratively) liability on defense. Second, he can't plant himself in the paint on offense because that then means the defending center is now allowed to plant himself in the paint too. This interferes with attempts by your offense to cut to the basket. Also, the centers in the league are quick enough that they will make it very hard for him to shoot over them and he will be harassed even worse than our effective double teams on Sunday.

I predict, much like Tacko Fall, he'll be on someone's G League team and he will be a fan favorite when he comes into a few NBA blowout games, but his career will not go anywhere.

OK, but per my original point, he doesn't have a future as a slow 3 point shooter. That's a definite because he isn't ever going to get quicker. So it is either do something else or Europe here we come.

 

[hdhntr1]

The refs struggled again today, but I'd hardly call it the worst officiated NU game this month, let alone in history.

I did not like the decision to call a shot-clock violation on Purdue, even if it benefited NU. Just seemed wrong to me. The flagrant foul and goal-tending calls were borderline, but you can justify them. There were other borderline plays going the other way.

As for fouling Edey on every play, that may be true, but that's the same as "there's holding on every play" in football. It's just a physical game and he's enormous. I wouldn't apologize for that. It's just basketball.

They have to because the clock should not have reset as we never really had possession.

 

[hdhntr1]

Slow your roll....IU comes into town on Wednesday. Let us not get too high and mighty. Enjoy today. Work tomorrow.

Till AFTER that game even thought eh worst we can do is 2/3

 

[hdhntr1]

I thought Edey played great right up until the end when NU was swarming him and he couldn't trust anybody on his team to make a shot.

Nicholson made Edey work - its usually easier for him. Maybe the Bigger Big Man got tired.

Edy did not get much rest He was in for 35 minutes. Probably more than he is used to but they had nothing else in the second half

 

[hdhntr1]

One fan said he rewatched the game and Edey was fouled 90 times.

Did they count the 95 times Edy fouled others?

 

[PURPLE Book Cat]

Fair, but also not viable is a slow, 7-4 guy shooting 3's. You do what brought you. Learning to shoot 3's for Edey is good but not the golden grail. Plus teams have plenty of guys already who shoot 3's so they may figure out schemes to use his size another way.

Jokić?

 

[SmellyCat]

They have to because the clock should not have reset as we never really had possession.

I know why they did it, but it just didn't feel right to me. Though I guess it would feel more right than a do-over. There really wasn't a good choice for the refs there once the timekeeper screwed up.

 

[GOUNUII]

Plant him near the basket and let him block shots and grab 15-20 rebounds a game. Why would you ever want a 7-4 guy on the perimeter?

Have you seen Victor Wembanyama aka Wemby play? He’s a 7-4 French teenager you want on the perimeter. And anywhere else he wants to be. Has a game that is equal parts Steph Curry-Kevin Durant and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Talk about a game changer.

GOUNUII

 

[clarificationcat]

The NBA doesn't work that way. First, he can't plant himself in the paint on defense because that is a violation. He also will likely be guarding someone these days who can hit the three, and if not, he will be dragged way out on the high pick and roll, at which point, the quick guards in the league will blow by him. He will be a huge (literally and figuratively) liability on defense. Second, he can't plant himself in the paint on offense because that then means the defending center is now allowed to plant himself in the paint too. This interferes with attempts by your offense to cut to the basket. Also, the centers in the league are quick enough that they will make it very hard for him to shoot over them and he will be harassed even worse than our effective double teams on Sunday.

I predict, much like Tacko Fall, he'll be on someone's G League team and he will be a fan favorite when he comes into a few NBA blowout games, but his career will not go anywhere.

I think he can be a 10-15 minute a game guy. There aren't that many guys in the NBA his size and his hook shot is pretty much unstoppable. Bring him off the bench and let him score down low and grab some rebounds. Teams won't be scheming to stop him coming off the bench and every team can us a few easy buckets. Plus, he will continue to refine his game. He's made amazing strides in 3 years.

 

[hdhntr1]

He looks more to me like a Siberian or East Asian mountain man. He's also impressively articulate and smart - probably incorrectly so but sometimes people that big tend to not seem to be the brightest (hopefully that's not an offensive thing but if so then sorry!) but I think he's a smart dude.

Very curious to see what happens to him in the NBA. I saw one thing that projected him as a 2nd round pick. Given how he shoots FTs (74-75%) he could develop some type of outside shot I think? Which often seems necessary for NBA bigs these days. He has sort of slow foot speed but he's so long that I think he can partly make up for it and avoid being a liability in perimeter defense while providing plus rim protection. He would be worth some post possessions too, although the level of athleticism in the NBA is so high that he wouldn't get the easy buckets that he does against college competition.

My opinion, he's never going to be a top level big man in the modern NBA, but I think he would be worth a flier of a 2nd round pick because I think he could be a very serviceable rotation player / backup center. Feel like people underestimate him a bit because he never does anything outside the post at Purdue - but that's because they don't need or want him to in college, it's just not smart or worth it when he shoots 63% inside.

He is pretty deadly from about 8 ft in, He has that little hook. His footwork is good and he seems to pass pretty well. And at 300 lbs....He belongs in the NBA but not sure beyond that

 

[pawildcat_rivals209725]

Two freshman guards is not generally a recipe for success in the tourney.

The difference between freshman guards (Purdue) and senior guards (Northwestern) was apparent. Problem is, our senior guards will be gone next year. My Division II alma mater had an excellent senior backcourt last year and is struggling with replacements this season.

 

[TheC]

The difference between freshman guards (Purdue) and senior guards (Northwestern) was apparent. Problem is, our senior guards will be gone next year. My Division II alma mater had an excellent senior backcourt last year and is struggling with replacements this season.

Live in the moment!

 

[AdamOnFirst]

The difference between freshman guards (Purdue) and senior guards (Northwestern) was apparent. Problem is, our senior guards will be gone next year. My Division II alma mater had an excellent senior backcourt last year and is struggling with replacements this season.

Both won't necessarily be gone

 

[Smolmania]

The difference between freshman guards (Purdue) and senior guards (Northwestern) was apparent. Problem is, our senior guards will be gone next year. My Division II alma mater had an excellent senior backcourt last year and is struggling with replacements this season.

Objection, your Honor. Assumes a fact not in evidence. Both Chase and Boo are eligible to play in Evanston next year. With the atmosphere we've seen at W-R Arena the last two games, and the success they've both had this year, I see no reason (looking at you Mr. Schmidt and your NIL group) why these two young man won't keep plying their trade in the B1G next year. Experienced guards are crucial in the tournament. Our two are as experienced as you can get...

 

[NUCat320]

Have you seen Victor Wembanyama aka Wemby play? He’s a 7-4 French teenager you want on the perimeter. And anywhere else he wants to be. Has a game that is equal parts Steph Curry-Kevin Durant and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Talk about a game changer.

GOUNUII

He’s like Chet Holmgren who hasn’t already broken!

 

[Hungry Jack]

The caterwauling of opposing fans from the past two games has me triggered. When life's unpleasantries (gasp! we lost a basketball game because the arbiters are biased!!!!) become too much for some, my cynicism and contempt for humankind boils over into a rage that would make Mads Mikkelsen recoil in fear.

To hell with these Indiana fans.

 

[AdamOnFirst]

The caterwauling of opposing fans from the past two games has me triggered. When life's unpleasantries (gasp! we lost a basketball game because the arbiters are biased!!!!) become too much for some, my cynicism and contempt for humankind boils over into a rage that would make Mads Mikkelsen recoil in fear.

To hell with these Indiana fans.

Buddy, it’s hilarious, you gotta enjoy these things! These Indiana softie yahoos are melting down because we bit them back.

 

[GatoLouco]

Mads Mikkelsen

I am just glad this magnificent bastard is mentioned again. It has been too long. Too damn long