Hammer and Rails: FanPosts

Morgan Burke AD Article in Fort Wayne News Sentinel

2013-05-21T18:37:48Z

Burke sees promise in Hazell to lead Boilers

For those of you who don't see the local Fort Wayne articles or don't subscribe on Twitter, the News Sentinel did an exclusive interview with Morgan Burke. The link to the article is above. Some interesting thoughts from Burke on how the fans react to the programs, community outreach to Lafayette for support. Ross Ade renovations, Burke's thoughts on the upcoming 2013 schedule, attendance and the moon landing.

Burke sees promise in Hazell to lead Boilers

Jay Simpson officially gets redshirt.

2013-05-16T21:05:33Z

As expected, Jay Simpson was granted a medical reshirt and retains 4 years of eligibilty. This is good news as I think Jay is going to make his mark on this program in the coming years. Coach Painter has has said on numerous occasions that Jay may be the most skilled player on the roster. His conditioning seems to be the one area in question but a full year of supervised training, weights and diet should help greatly.

Peck Is A Boilermaker

2013-05-15T15:19:32Z

This is the best news I think any Purdue fan can hope for getting a guy who is 6-6 tough and gritty. He will bring much needed leadership to a team looking to compete for Big Ten Title and NCAA. He brings size to a roster that is lacking upfront. I think Matty P has hit a home run getting this 5th year guy on the team. Purdue is slowly on the uptick after a little bump in the road last year could not be happier to be a Boilermaker BTFU.

Purdue & IU to play once in 13-14 Season

2013-05-15T03:35:38Z

This has to stop! Last time this happened was the Baby Boiler's first and second year in 07-08 and 08-09. They played well in B-town in 07 but eventually lost and never got a chance to return the favor until the following year. They will host IU next year as well as only play MSU at home only next year. Illinois and Iowa are the other two single game opponents but will face them on the road.

Here is the story on it at GBI

Update to possible new players

2013-05-14T15:17:41Z

With 3 open schollys next year, about a month ago TMill and PUBoilingPoints wrote about some options to use those scholly. At this point, the only likely candidate seems to be Errick Peck, whom I've heard was supposed to make a decision last weekend but still hasn't (we are among his finalists along with Xavier and Duquesne). Another name not mentioned back then is Evan Gordon, with IU, then Butler, and us on his list.

FYI, here are the other ones that we can cross off the list:

Vincennes wing DeShawn Delaney committed to New Mexico
Chad Frazier commits to UAB
Austin Karazsia commits to South Alabama
Jerron Granberry commits to Wyoming
Tanner Lancona commits to St. Louis
Andrew Wiggins commits to Kansas (sorry, forget to include him, lol)

And here are the other ones that haven't committed yet, but I won't put too much hope:

Memphis big Tarik Black: not committed but Duke, Kansas, Georgetown, Oregon are involved
Alex Foster visiting Rhode Island
Deon Andrews (no news, but he's 6'2, 180 and a 16.6 ppg guy shooting 46% from threes)

My guess is that we land Peck (isn't he only a year older than Donnie Hale?), Gordon goes to IU, while Andrews (if he can play at least some defense and no team chemistry problem) would have been the guy who can help us the most next year if we can't get Gordon.

FYI, here are the other ones that we can cross off the list:

Vincennes wing DeShawn Delaney committed to New Mexico
Chad Frazier commits to UAB
Austin Karazsia commits to South Alabama
Jerron Granberry commits to Wyoming
Tanner Lancona commits to St. Louis
Andrew Wiggins commits to Kansas (sorry, forget to include him, lol)

And here are the other ones that haven't committed yet, but I won't put too much hope:

Memphis big Tarik Black: not committed but Duke, Kansas, Georgetown, Oregon are involved
Alex Foster visiting Rhode Island
Deon Andrews (no news, but he's 6'2, 180 and a 16.6 ppg guy shooting 46% from threes)

Possible Transfer

2013-05-12T05:14:49Z

I have been a reader for several years now but this is my first post. I saw a story where a guard from Tennessee has asked for his release. Cuonzo Martin granted him one. I am wondering if he would be someone that Painter might look at to fill one of the open scholarships. I would think he would fit into the Purdue system fairly easily given the fact that Martin runs a similar system at Tennessee. Thoughts? (I forget the name of the player from Tennessee). Boiler Up!

Chandler White: Where is the love?

2013-05-11T16:22:34Z

I have been reading posts on this site for a little over a year now and will comment every once in a great while. I basically come for any recruiting info I can get (s/o to OB52, love that guy). Something in regards to recruiting has had me wondering for a while and when I read this quote from Chandler White I decided to do my first Fan Post.

"IU has shown a lot of interest," he says. "Purdue has, but not as much as IU"

I have been wondering for months why there is never talk about White on here. He seems to be the forgotten guard, especially when most feel we have no shot at Coleman and a long shot at Edwards (Hryon not Vince, don't worry). It seems to be a no brainer since he is Bryson's cousin. I also really like the idea of trying to make FW Purdue territory. We obviously have a good start with Bryson and Rapheal, plus the growing interest in Swanigan and McElvene. I know we are interested but hearing that IU is showing more love than us doesn't make since. I would think we would be all over that. Am I missing something? I have read other articles that say MSU and MI are also showing interest. I understand not offering yet but this I don't. Any info or thoughts would be appreciated.

Side Note: if he has Bryson's work ethic I am all in. I am most excited about the work ethic that Bryson and Rapheal have displayed. I think having players like that is contagious and can completely the change the culture of a team. Everything I read about Mathius says he is the same way so all of them together could be great for the program. It also appears the Johnsons brothers are getting after it in the off season. The future is bright.

"IU has shown a lot of interest," he says. "Purdue has, but not as much as IU"

Greg Hudson interview with Gold and Black

2013-05-11T03:08:22Z

Today ESPN's Big Ten blog posted on its lunch links an interview with Greg Hudson (new defensive coordinator). If you actually read the interview your first reaction may be that of absolute panic.

The question that jumped out at me the most was

Gold and Black: How do you feel about where the talent level is?

Hudson: "Um, you know, it's not where we need to be as a Big Ten football team. We have some talented guys who have to use that talent every snap every second. Like coach says, A players need to get As. If you're an A player right now, you better get an A. A B is a failure."

I initially thought wow, that sounds horrible. We don't have the talent? how are we supposed to beat anyone without B1G level talent? But upon closer inspection this is reality. This coaching staff appears to understand reality and grasp the fact that our talent level doesn't match up directly with Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, or even Penn State. Although this revelation is fairly straightforward (and deep down inside even the most hardcore Purdue fans know it) I don't think Danny Hope and his staff understood this one simple fact (among others). I think that Danny Hope actually believed that he was a few close plays away from contending for a B1G title. I don't think he understood how to play to the strengths/talent level of his team. Defensive Coordinator Hudson really appeared, throughout the entirety of this interview, to reiterate that he would adjust his defensive scheme to the talent level and strengths of his defensive unit.

Secondly I really am excited to read that the coaching staff expects players to use every drop of talent they have on every play. In the past few years we saw a lot of players not truly reach their potential; I also think it is safe to say that the coaching staff was the primary driving force behind that lack of development. Throughout this offseason it has appeared that the new coaching staff has dedicated itself to making sure players are held accountable for their performance which has to be the first step in reestablishing Purdue's football credibility.

Today ESPN's Big Ten blog posted on its lunch links an interview with Greg Hudson (new defensive coordinator). If you actually read the interview your first reaction may be that of absolute panic.

The question that jumped out at me the most was

Gold and Black: How do you feel about where the talent level is?

Brandon Garner

2013-05-08T15:51:12Z

Hey everyone! I'm new here, and just made my account yesterday. I guess I'll start of by asking a question that's been bugging me ever since Trae Hart committed. Everyone says that he is apparently our first commit for the 2014 class. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Brandon Garner our first committ? H&R even did an article on him a while back. According to ESPN, he's still committed. It would be great if someone could clear this up for me. Thanks! I'm excited to be a part of this community.

A reason to love Burke

2013-05-08T14:58:45Z

Purdue was one of only 7 schools in the nation to operate without any form of subsidy or contribution from sources outside the department. Say what you will about the broken state of priorities, Purdue's constant challenge of being 'cheap', or the fact that our facilities in general are not at the same level as some other programs; we keep it in the black. Also of interesting note is that IU received over 2.5M in subsidies and 4 of the 7 teams not taking money were in the Big Ten while only 1 was in the SEC. Maybe Burke isn't so bad? http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2013/05/07/ncaa-finances-subsidies/2142443/

Rivals 2014 BB Top 150

2013-05-08T14:29:04Z

I am seeking an opinion on where we may stand on the Top 150 that we currently have offers extended to or players that at least have our name listed on their lists. I am also putting where I think we currently stand with each.

Offers

#17 Jaquan Lyle 5* (no chance)

#41 Reid Travis 4* (little chance)

#46 Trevon Bluiett 4* (fair but not great chance)

#62 Vince Edwards 4* (solid chance but Michigan worries me)

#69 Tyler Ulis 4* (solid chance)

#71 LJ Peak 4* (solid chance)

#77 Tadric Jackson 4* (unsure have not heard much on him)

#83 Jordan Barnett 4* (unsure have not heard much on him)

#130 Jabari Craig 3* (solid chance)

#139 Alec Brennan 3* (fair chance)

Listed w/no offers

#22 D'Angelo Russell 4* (no chance)

#74 Paschal Chukwu 4* (fair chance)

#108 Shane Hall 3* (don't know anything about him)

#119 Sean O'mara 3* (no chance)

#120 Malek Harris 3* (don't know anything about him)

#143 Jordan Green 3* (don't know anything about him)

The class of 2014 is definitely listed above and soon Dakota Mathias will be in the top 150, I just don't know who is going to break for this class. The next few months could be very interesting. My personal list would look like this Dakota Mathias, Vince Edwards and either Jabari Craig or Paschal Chukwu. I don't want to see four or all five scholarships burned on this class because it would leave nothing for the 2015 class.

Offers

#17 Jaquan Lyle 5* (no chance)

#41 Reid Travis 4* (little chance)

#46 Trevon Bluiett 4* (fair but not great chance)

#62 Vince Edwards 4* (solid chance but Michigan worries me)

#69 Tyler Ulis 4* (solid chance)

#71 LJ Peak 4* (solid chance)

#77 Tadric Jackson 4* (unsure have not heard much on him)

#83 Jordan Barnett 4* (unsure have not heard much on him)

#130 Jabari Craig 3* (solid chance)

#139 Alec Brennan 3* (fair chance)

Listed w/no offers

#22 D'Angelo Russell 4* (no chance)

#74 Paschal Chukwu 4* (fair chance)

#108 Shane Hall 3* (don't know anything about him)

#119 Sean O'mara 3* (no chance)

#120 Malek Harris 3* (don't know anything about him)

#143 Jordan Green 3* (don't know anything about him)

Jabari Craig or Paschal Chukwu

2013-05-07T20:01:41Z

I am new to the site and was wondering which big you guys would prefer for the 2014 class. Also if you have any insight on how the recruiting of either of them is going that would be helpful. Also feel free to talk about other 2014 basketball recruits as well. Need to fill in more words so blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Thanks!

Dave Telep on Dakota Mathias

2013-05-07T19:38:06Z

Need Insider subscription: http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9250181/trey-lyles-dakota-mathias-jaquan-lyle-more-basketball-recruiting-buzz

I've been told not to copy-and-paste the whole piece, so I am only showing the relevant part, and I think the last sentence sums it up best (and the more I read the more I love this kid):

Mathias is vanilla in his approach to recruiting and was intent on ending it early. Why? Because from what I can tell, the only thing important to him is improving.

Some of us were fortunate enough to grow up with a basket in the backyard. Mathias, meanwhile, has a whole court at home and a whiteboard, according to one coach, where he writes down his own strengths and weaknesses, plus motivators for improvement. Who doesn't want to coach a kid like this?

This past weekend at Spiece, he put a moderately talented NW Ohio Stars travel team program on his back and took it to the semifinals before Team Thad ended the run. Throughout the weekend, Mathias competed -- and I mean to the point where he would tell the coach what to run and then go out and get it done.

Guys like this have a certain will to them. Purdue fans might get caught up in the fact that Mathias is not national ranked, but that doesn't do a player like this justice. You can't quantify his intangibles, commitment to competing and basketball IQ.

Personally, I'd toss this guy into the back of the top 100 and watch his development. Recruits like this are invaluable pieces. He's not going to be Purdue's best talent, but you watch: He'll be a starter in the program and a player who raises the competition level of the team. I can't tell you he's an electric prospect or a high-riser, but when the ball gets rolled out he'll be the first one to dive on it. There's no need to over-evaluate Mathias, just let him play.

Need Insider subscription: http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/mens/story/_/id/9250181/trey-lyles-dakota-mathias-jaquan-lyle-more-basketball-recruiting-buzz

I've been told not to copy-and-paste the whole piece, so I am only showing the relevant part, and I think the last sentence sums it up best (and the more I read the more I love this kid):

Mathias is vanilla in his approach to recruiting and was intent on ending it early. Why? Because from what I can tell, the only thing important to him is improving.

Some of us were fortunate enough to grow up with a basket in the backyard. Mathias, meanwhile, has a whole court at home and a whiteboard, according to one coach, where he writes down his own strengths and weaknesses, plus motivators for improvement. Who doesn't want to coach a kid like this?

This past weekend at Spiece, he put a moderately talented NW Ohio Stars travel team program on his back and took it to the semifinals before Team Thad ended the run. Throughout the weekend, Mathias competed -- and I mean to the point where he would tell the coach what to run and then go out and get it done.

Guys like this have a certain will to them. Purdue fans might get caught up in the fact that Mathias is not national ranked, but that doesn't do a player like this justice. You can't quantify his intangibles, commitment to competing and basketball IQ.

Personally, I'd toss this guy into the back of the top 100 and watch his development. Recruits like this are invaluable pieces. He's not going to be Purdue's best talent, but you watch: He'll be a starter in the program and a player who raises the competition level of the team. I can't tell you he's an electric prospect or a high-riser, but when the ball gets rolled out he'll be the first one to dive on it. There's no need to over-evaluate Mathias, just let him play.

More on Dakota Mathias

2013-05-06T14:57:20Z

Very excited about Dakota committing to us, and so I look up the web for some more of his info.

This is a good read from a month ago: http://www.limaohio.com/sports/high_school/boys_sports/boys_basketball/article_e19e44c8-99ae-11e2-9fbc-001a4bcf6878.html

This is from yesterday: http://www.limaohio.com/sports/local/article_d48a8308-b5e4-11e2-8474-001a4bcf6878.html

Based on those two articles, it seems that scoring 40 pts in each of the first 3 games of the season caught Painter's attention, and we have been following him since.

After reading from OB52 that Dakota hit 8-of-9 threes and scored 36 pts in an AAU game this weekend, one thing that strikes me is the similarity between him and Jon Diebler. Both are from Ohio. Both play for a Div 2 high school (I was told it was equivalent to Class 3A). Both seem to be doing EVERYTHING for their team. This is their stat comparison:

Jon Diebler's SENIOR year: 40.8 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 6.7 apg, 5.3 spg, 4.2 bpg

Dakota Mathias' JUNIOR year: 25.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.2 bpg

I am happy with Dakota Mathias. I think there is room for him to keep growing, and if he does, I think Jon Diebler is a realistic comparison. I will be VERY happy if Mathias at Purdue is as good as Diebler at aO$U.

(Diebler was a 4-star ranked #60 nationally according to Rivals, ahead of #75 Rob Hummel)

Very excited about Dakota committing to us, and so I look up the web for some more of his info.

This is a good read from a month ago: http://www.limaohio.com/sports/high_school/boys_sports/boys_basketball/article_e19e44c8-99ae-11e2-9fbc-001a4bcf6878.html

This is from yesterday: http://www.limaohio.com/sports/local/article_d48a8308-b5e4-11e2-8474-001a4bcf6878.html

Based on those two articles, it seems that scoring 40 pts in each of the first 3 games of the season caught Painter's attention, and we have been following him since.

Jon Diebler's SENIOR year: 40.8 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 6.7 apg, 5.3 spg, 4.2 bpg

Dakota Mathias' JUNIOR year: 25.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 6.3 apg, 1.8 spg, 1.2 bpg

(Diebler was a 4-star ranked #60 nationally according to Rivals, ahead of #75 Rob Hummel)

Football Commit

2013-05-06T01:15:49Z

Among all of the great basketball news for recruiting today, I was looking through the football recruiting stuff as well and noticed we picked up a football recruit as well a couple of days ago.

Trae Hart is the commit a WR from Dallas Texas and he seems to be more like the small speedy receivers that we see here. According to one of his videos he had over 100 receptions and 2000 yards last year with 29 TDs and had 4 TD on kick returns.

He seems to have great speed and good hands for his size. He looked like Dante Hall on kick returns if you remember that guy. I know basketball is obviously going to be talked about more but I thought this guy deserved a welcome.

Among all of the great basketball news for recruiting today, I was looking through the football recruiting stuff as well and noticed we picked up a football recruit as well a couple of days ago.