The Purdue Boilermakers are traveling around Europe to play exhibition games in preparation for this upcoming season. It is also a chance to see how other players respond with more playing time. Additionally, it is interesting to see what Purdue’s offense looks like without Zach Edey, who is playing with Team Canada as they prepare for the FIBA World Cup. In their 88-71 win over Kickz IBAM, the Boilermakers got contributions from their usual stars and other pieces.
Evaluating the Purdue Boilermakers Without Zach Edey
Standouts
Braden Smith
Braden Smith led the charge for the Boilermakers, recording 22 points and 12 assists. Smith had a terrific campaign in his first season in West Lafayette but looked better in year two. He showed more poise, disrupted passing lanes, and increased the tempo. A big thing from Purdue was their ability to play faster. Smith excelled on the open floor with his quickness, handle, and impressive decision-making.
Trey Kaufman-Renn
Trey Kaufman-Renn was another impressive standout from their first game. Looking to play both the forward and center positions this season, Kaufman-Renn dominated inside. He scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He scored in the post, drove to the rim, and hit short floaters. The big thing was that he looked quicker and willing to guard perimeter players. The spacing is still a question mark after he went 0-for-2 from three, but it is early. He has been an impressive player this summer.
Brian Waddell
Here is an under-the-radar name from Purdue, Brian Waddell. Nevertheless, he showed out in their win on Wednesday. Waddell recorded 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting. More importantly, he shot 3-for-4 from three-point range. Purdue must shoot the three-ball well to compete for a National Championship. Waddell scored off cutting, rebounding, and making open shots.
Other Positives
Three-Point Shooting
A weakness for this team a year ago became a strength on Wednesday. Purdue shot 10-for-22 from three (45.5%). The Boilermakers shot 32.2% a year ago, 11th in the Big 10. Therefore, their ability to hit threes is a good sign. During this season, their ability to space the floor for Edey is crucial. Better shooting makes it harder to double Edey inside and makes them a more efficient offensive team. Purdue must keep this up.
Passing
The Boilermakers passed the ball well in their first game in Germany. Recording 20 assists, Purdue moved the ball well up the floor. Their tempo spurred a lot of open looks and they created easy passes. With Edey, their tempo slows down, but they need to keep being unselfish. Good ball movement allows Edey to get the ball in better areas and makes the role players feel important.
Improvements for Purdue
Defense
Purdue struggled with their defense. From the perimeter, they got beat in many one-on-one situations. While the guards did not score much at the rim, they found open shooters and made threes. Purdue has to guard the perimeter better. In the post, the bigs from Kickz IBAM dominated in the first half. They easily scored inside and made the Boilermakers double, leading to easy open threes. Edey will stifle post-ups, but Purdue needs to guard the post better when Edey is not on the floor.
