As the college basketball season gets closer, Purdue is a team that many are excited to see. Furthermore, the recent play by Trey Kaufman-Renn in the Boilermakers’ overseas trip makes it essential that he and Zach Edey play together. Purdue needs to produce wins in the NCAA Tournament this season. Therefore, Kaufman-Renn and Edey must play together to build a potentially incredible frontline.
Purdue Must Play Kaufman-Renn and Zach Edey Together
Trey Kaufman-Renn‘s Success Overseas
As previously mentioned, Kaufman-Renn dominated Purdue’s summer trip and was their leading scorer. Producing 18 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, he showed why he deserved to play heavy minutes. He scored in the paint but also displayed his improved perimeter shot. Last year, Kaufman-Renn established himself as a highly effective post-up scorer. He shot 68% at the rim last season, bringing that same success overseas.
However, the important part of this trip was working on his weaknesses. Kaufman-Renn took on the challenge of guarding perimeter defenders and had more success than last season. Additionally, he shot 3-for-8 from three in the four games. Nevertheless, Kaufman-Renn shot 50% (3/6) from three in the last three games. His ability to space the court with Edey looks promising if he is a threat from three.
Why They Must Play Together
Offensive Efficiency
Edey and Kaufman-Renn are both effective scorers. Furthermore, both of these guys can produce good offense. They dominate the post, and both are walking mismatches for opposing defenders because of their size and skill. More importantly, Kaufman-Renn is an excellent passer. Therefore, Edey and the Purdue guards get better opportunities because Kaufman-Renn is patient in the post.
Being match-up nightmares, Kaufman-Renn and Edey demand defensive attention and generate high-percentage shots. Furthermore, Purdue needs good offense to compete for a championship, and this frontline can do that.
Purdue Plays a Tough Schedule
Purdue plays a difficult conference and non-conference schedule. More specifically, Purdue opens up playing nationally ranked Arkansas and plays in the Maui Invitational. These teams have productive forwards and bigs, so Purdue needs good production from someone else outside of Edey. Kaufman-Renn looks to be the player who can step into that role and flourish.
Purdue Needs to Win
This season is one of the best chances the Boilermakers have to win a National Championship. Furthermore, Matt Painter needs some success in the NCAA tournament. Kaufman-Renn and Edey make Purdue a threat because of their incredible offensive skills. It may take a little time to work everything out, but two dominant scorers need to see a lot of minutes. If Painter is as good of a coach as some think, he will make this work. Purdue needs to win and cannot produce another blunder like they did last season. If Kaufmann-Renn and Edey work well together, Purdue will win games.
