Super Scintillating Selections Top 30 Countdown: #5 Purdue Boilermakers

Welcome to Day 26! As a reminder, from here on out I will not be giving a prediction for the featured team. For the predictions on the remaining teams you will have to listen to my podcast I will be releasing Tuesday 3/14. The podcast will include previews of highlighted matchups, predictions for the last seven teams, possible cinderellas, future content ideas I've been brewing in my head, and more.

The Fighting Zach Edey’s have entered the chat. Just kidding, although having a 7’4 skilled Center is definitely helpful, the Boilermakers Identity needs to be more than just him if they want to make a tournament run. Claiming a 26-5 overall, and a 15-5 record in the Big Ten, Purdue is kind of stumbling into March. They are 3-3 in their last six games and almost blew a 20 point lead at home against Illinois in their last game. I still have faith but would love to see some heart from the fellas in black and gold in the Big ten conference tournament before I buy all the way in on them.

Matt Painter will be seeking his first Final Four this year. He has led Purdue to six Sweet-Sixteens, and one Elite Eight. Can he get over the hump this year? The Magic Eight Ball says…..”Listen to Trey’s Podcast on 3/14 to find out.” I'll give you a couple hints though. Lets get it.

Why can Purdue make a run?

Balance. If you are looking at a well balanced, skilled team who can play ball on both sides of the court, this is the team for you. They limit mistakes, exploit their advantages (feed the big man), and lock up on defense. #5 in fouls per game, #18 in Opponent points per game, and #59 in turnovers per game. I understand these stats are incredibly boring, but they are essential to a team who can make a run. Give me a team who is disciplined and smart over a team who is skilled but plays streetball for 40 minutes (see UNC).

Zach Attack. Is he good or is he just tall? I hate this question that is going around. It is indeed possible to be both.He is going to win the Wooden Award. I'm sorry if you don't agree. Zach Edey is outrageously tall, but he also is a skilled basketball player averaging 21.9 PPG and 12.8 RPG. The beautiful thing about Purdue is that no matter who they play, they will always have at least one huge advantage on offense and on defense. Zach Edey will dominate the paint and the boards every game, opponents can only try to contain him. He also is capable of acknowledging a double team and will kick the ball out to his team out for the most beautiful play in basketball, the inside-out three.

Second Chance Points: 11 offensive rebounds a game. Yes, this is more of a Zach Edey stat too, but it doesn’t take away from the fact they get 11 extra possessions per game and that ranks #14 in the nation.

What is stopping them?

The Zach Edey Show. Is your mind in a pretzel? How can Zach Edey be the reason they can make a run and be a reason they are being held back? Give me a chance here and keep reading. Purdue has lost five times this year. Zach Edey has shown up for every single one of those games, only one of his teammates in one of those games decided to show up offensively with him. They need offensive production from others in order to put it all together. Matt Painter and his staff know that as well. Look for the Boilermakers to try and get their guards hot during the Big Ten tournament and the first round of the NCAAT. Zach Edey will still get his touches but they need to get other players confident and in a rhyme before it's too late.

Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Mason Gillis need to step up. They 100% have the ability to, but will they?

Next Game: Winner of Rutgers vs. Michigan